EU broiler welfare proposals unveiled

EU - The long awaited proposed EU directive on the welfare of broilers finally arrived last month, receiving a mixed reception from farmers while animal welfare activists condemned it for not going far enough.

This directive for the first time, enshrines in law welfare regulations relating to the production of chickens for meat.

Furthermore, it is the first to focus on welfare output with flocks routinely monitored at abattoirs for welfare measures.

Markos Kyprianou, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection said: “Intensive farming methods in this sector have led to significant welfare problems and consumers have repeatedly expressed concern about the welfare of chickens.

Source: FWi

5 July 2005