The EU ban on conventional battery cages is due to enter into force from 2012, in line with Directive 1999/74/EC on minimum standards for laying hens, and the report concluded that the 2012 deadline should be maintained.
Markos Kyprianou, Commissioner for Health, said, “The Commission listened to the demands of EU consumers and has taken concrete action to improve the welfare of laying hens.
“The report today shows that there is scientific and economic support for the ban on conventional battery cages.
“We are maintaining the deadline of 2012 for banning conventional battery cages, as there is no reason to postpone it.
“I urge operators to start phasing out the use of these cages as soon as possible so that there is full compliance with the EU ban by the deadline of 2012.”
