"New Year's Eve featured more than fireworks this year - we also moved a step forward in animal welfare. The industry has stated that Danish egg producers have switched to the new mode of production, thereby ensuring better welfare for laying hens in Denmark. I am pleased to begin EU Presidency with the knowledge that the Danish food industry is aware of its responsibilities and lives up to the ban on production in traditional cages," says Mette Gjerskov.

It is the producers' responsibility to ensure that the requirements of EU Directive are complied with, which unfortunately is not the case in all countries.

"It is unsatisfactory that after a 12-year period, there are still countries that do not live up to the common European welfare requirements. I have therefore asked the Commission to demonstrate vigor to the countries that are not yet fully compliant with European rules," said Mr Gjerskov.

The Danish food industry has indicated that it fully supports the European ban on production in traditional cages. Agriculture & Food, Food DI, Danish Industry, Horesta and Baker and Confectioner Masters in Denmark, will make their members aware of the problem and urge them not to use and buy eggs from the EU produced in traditional cages.