January 27, 2021

California, US postpones enforcement of Proposition 12 

A California, US court said it will postpone the enforcement of a part of Proposition 12, a law that ensures more humane treatment of farm livestock.

Opponents of the law said it may result in shortages of pork and increased food prices in the state, Reuters reported.

On the other hand, supporters of Proposition 12 said it will lead to more humane food production. The law will set minimum space requirements for swine breeding, egg-laying hens and calves raised for veal.

The law, which took effect on January 1, 2022, also bans the sale of pork, eggs and raw veal from livestock raised in overly small spaces. Breeding sows are usually raised in crates that do not allow the animals to turn or stand.

Judge James Arguelles of California Superior Court in Sacramento County ruled that the law will not be enforced until six months after the state enacts final regulations. This affects restaurants, grocers and retailers.

The California Grocers Association commended the ruling. The association along with other business groups sued the state as it sought to postpone the law's enforcement until 28 months after regulations are finalised.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture said they are evaluating the ruling with the attorney general's office. The department said pork producers and suppliers remain subject to the law's square-footage requirements.

Industry officials said California makes up 15% of the pork market in the United States, with 87% of pork sold in California coming from swine raised outside of the state.

In December last year, Seaboard Foods said it will restrict pork product sales in California due to Proposition 12.

-      Reuters