Poultry welfare is discussed in Brussels. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in two scientific opinions published on Tuesday, recommended an end to caged poultry farming and mutilation. The regulator’s opinions, requested by the European Commission, are based on studies that have identified the “dangers” to which broilers and laying hens are exposed on farms in the European Union.
As a preventive measure, the EFSA recommends, among other things, banning cage farming – individual or collective – responsible, according to it, for “stress of isolation” or “group”, “restriction of movement” or even “problems of rest” in these poultry. As a replacement for this production system, the European regulator prefers the so-called “aviary” system: multi-storey structures with perches and laying spaces for the hens.
Reduce stocking density
At the same time, the EFSA recommends reducing the density of farms and stopping mutilation, which consists, for example, of cutting the ridges or the beak of these gallinaceans to prevent them from mutilating each other afterwards. She also points out the need for these poultry to have access to outdoor spaces, or at least to “verandas”, and even indicates that the ambient noise of farms should not exceed 75 decibels.
As part of its “Farm to Fork” strategy, the European Commission has requested these scientific opinions in view of the next revision of European legislation on animal welfare. In August, the EFSA had similarly issued an opinion on the welfare of farmed pigs, and five in September on that of animals during transport. It must by May decide on breeding calves, dairy cows, ducks, geese and quail.