May 10, 2007

EU sets welfare standards for broiler farms

Broiler chickens in the EU would enjoy more space and better accommodation in the near future, as EU agriculture ministers have agreed on minimum welfare standards for broiler farms.

The new Directive aims to reduce the overcrowding conditions often seen in chicken farms. The issue has long been a favourite target of animal rights groups. More than 5 billion chickens are reared in the EU each year.

The maximum stocking density is 33 kg per square metre With average chicken weight at 2 kg, it means about 16 chickens would be packed per square metre. Density could rise to 39kg per square metre if there are facilities such as ventilation systems that keep the ammonia, carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity levels down.

There were previously no limits on stocking density.

The new legislation also sets down conditions such as lighting, litter, feeding, and ventilation requirements.

Enforcement of the new standards would start June 2010.

European Commissioner for Health, Markos Kyprianou said EU consumers have repeatedly expressed concerns about intensive chicken farming.

He said the Directive brings forward for the first time important rules for the animal welfare of broilers. The standards would result not only in better animal welfare across Europe, but would also contribute to improving the health of the birds and the quality of their meat.

Similar talks aimed at securing an EU-wide Directive collapsed last December. The breakdown of the talks was caused by the refusal of France, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia to agree to proposed welfare reforms.