January 30, 2009
UK releases plan for broiler welfare rules
The UK has released plans to implement Europe's first comprehensive welfare rules for broilers for consultation.
The EU rules focus on the overall welfare of birds, including individual factors that contribute to welfare, and the monitoring of birds at slaughterhouses so signs of poor welfare could be raised to both producers and agencies responsible.
The new EU rules produce a legal baseline for all producers, including those who do not join in any voluntary assurance schemes, while complementing existing schemes.
The EU measures also include new limits for ammonia and carbon dioxide and standards for temperature, humidity and maximum stocking density, as well as clear requirements for industry training.
The new rules will take effect in June 2010 and cover all broiler producers who had more than 500 birds. They do not apply to holdings with only breeding stocks, hatcheries, extensive indoor, free-range or organic chickens.
The new EU rules are a welcome improvement on the limited conditions previously applied to broiler welfare, according to UK Farm Minister Jane Kennedy.
"The fact is that many factors contribute to high welfare standards, and that's what we're focusing on - better standards for all birds across Europe. For most English producers, the new requirements simply build on systems that are already in place and working well," Kennedy said.
