Animal care program adopts higher poultry standards
ATLANTA, Ga. - Continuing their commitment to the highest levels of scientific-based care, the United Egg Producers' (UEP) Board of Directors has approved a recommendation from an independent Scientific Advisory Committee allowing only non-feed withdrawal molts."Recognizing that this is a major undertaking for the betterment of hens and our industry, our producers have until January 2006 to integrate this newly designed system for molting," said Gene Gregory, vice president of United Egg Producers.
"As animal welfare issues continue to be an important and growing concern for consumers, retailers can be assured that eggs carrying the Animal Care Certified seal are from farms following even higher standards for proper hen care."
The new molting guidelines are a giant leap forward for the egg industry and producers will need time to educate themselves on the new methods. After January 1, 2006, only molt programs that provide the hens with nutritionally adequate and palatable feed suitable for a non-producing hen will be allowed to use the Animal Care Certified seal on their packaging.
Source: Iowa Farmer
16 May 2005
1 minute read
