EU proposes new law on broiler chicken welfare
chickens under a proposed directive the European Commission has
adopted for submission to the bloc's Parliament.
The directive marks the first in a series of minimum standards on farm animal welfare the European Commission wants to propose for member states. The legislation will set out a maximum stocking density of 30 kg of broiler chickens per square metre. The legislation will also set out a number of minimum conditions for the care of broiler chickens across the EU, including appropriate access to litter, drinkers, feed and ventilation. Broilers are chickens destined for human consumption. Scientific studies show the intensive farming of chickens in the EU has led to "serious health and welfare shortcomings in the intensive farming of chickens", saidthe EU's health and consumer protection commissioner, Markos Kyprianou. "Intensive farming methods in this sector have led to significant welfare problems and consumers have repeatedly expressed concern about the welfare of chickens," hesaid on 31 May, when the decision was reached. "The results-oriented approach set out in the proposal will ensure concrete improvements for the animals while also allowing farmers someflexibility in their farming methods, as long as they continue to meet the set welfare standards." Farms will be allowed to stock up to 38 kg of broiler chickens per square metre if they provide additional welfare resources and if inspections at the slaughter stage continue toprove that the animals have not suffered any problems. The legislation will also require farmers provide adequate lighting within the buildings in which the chickens are kept. There would be a minimum of two daily inspections. Anychickens that are seriously injured or in poor health must be treated or immediately culled. In addition to following the minimum standards set out in the legislation, farmers would also have to keepdetailed records on on issues such as house temperatures, medical treatments and mortality rates. The inspection checks to monitor animal welfare will be integrated into existing veterinary legislation to minimise any extra burden on producers and inspectors, Kyprianousaid. The proposal marks the first time the EU will set out legislation specifically targeting broilers. Currently EU farmers must follow the general requirements of Directive98/58/EC (PDF), which deals with the welfare of farm animals. They must also comply with the legislation and codes of practice in the countries in which they are based. The EU Council and the European Parliament will now consider the proposed directive and make any amendments if necessary. The proposal requires the European Commission to reportwithin two years on a possible mandatory labelling scheme based on compliance with the animal welfare standards in the directive. The European Commission said it plans to make further proposals relating to animal welfare. The proposals will be set out in an upcoming EU action plan. The EU produced 7,695,000 tons of broiler chickens in 2004, according to figures by the US agriculture department. The EU is the world's third largest broiler exporter, behind theUS and Brazil. Holland accounts for 29 per cent of EU broiler exports to the world. EU Broiler Production (1,000 tons; ready to cook equivalent) 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 (provisional) 2005 (forecast) Production 7,539 7,606 7,883 7,788 7,520 7,695 7,745 Imports 180 177 190 197 337 305 300 Exports 865 849 764 877 793 805 775 Consumption 6,854 6,934 7,309 7,108 7,064 7,195 7,270 From the US Department of Agriculture (The European Broiler Situation PDF)
