California approves stricter animal welfare rules for eggs, meat products
California voters overwhelmingly approved a measure (Proposition 12) on November 6 that requires stricter animal welfare rules for eggs and meat products produced and sold in the state.
California voters overwhelmingly approved a measure (Proposition 12) on November 6 that requires stricter animal welfare rules for eggs and meat products produced and sold in the state. California’s new rules will apply to all farmers and food processors whose eggs, veal and pork are sold in the Golden state.
Proposition 12 mandates that egg-laying hens have a minimum of 1 square feet of floor space by 2020 and all eggs sold in the state come from cage-free hens by 2022. Proposition 12 also bans the sale of pork and veal in California from farm animals raised in cages that don't meet the new minimum size requirements. By 2020, calf raised for veal will need a minimum of 43 square feet of floor. Beginning in 2022, all breeding pigs will need a minimum of 24 square feet of floor space.