Non-compliant cage egg producers cause wild confusion

Posted on 05/01/2012

Since 1 January 2012 and as scheduled in European Directive 1999/74/EC which was adopted in 1999, barren battery cages are banned in the European Union. All laying hens must from now on be kept in either barn, free-range, or organic systems.

Eurogroup recognises and welcomes the move by producers in 13 member states to legal systems, but the situation in the 14 other EU countries still gives cause for concern as millions of hens continue to be kept in illegal barren battery cages. The European Commission must closely monitor the situation and increase targeted inspections conducted by the Food and Veterinary Office, and also put pressure on the relevant competent authorities in each country to take appropriate enforcement measures against non compliant producers.

The situation is very different from one country to another. In Ireland, it is estimated that 10 farms do not comply with the new legislation on 1 Januarybut the Irish Ministry has decided that all hens kept in illegal cages (more than 100,000) have to be culled in humane conditions if the producers want to avoid prosecution. In Belgium, it is estimated that 85 out of the 300 farms are not compliantand the Belgian authorities have requested that illegally produced eggs be clearly identified with a different colour mark or the letter “B” and only used as ingredients for products containing eggs. All Belgian farmers who do not conform to the legislation yet will have to comply by 31^st July at the latest. 

Unfortunately, as every country has its own approach, it is quite impossible for the time being, to have a complete vision of the situation at European level.