Transcript "Enforcement of European Animal Welfare Related Legislation"

"ENFORCEMENT OF EUROPEAN
ANIMAL WELFARE RELATED
LEGISLATION"
Council Directive 1999/74/EC
Half ban means half enforcement
Gabriel PAUN
Director of Campaigns
VIER PFOTEN / FOUR PAWS International
Brussels, 12-13 June 2012
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Council Directive 1999/74/EC
Three types of rearing systems for laying hens:
• enriched cages - 750 cm² / hen
• non enriched cage - 550 cm² / hen ban planned for January 2012
• non-cage systems - barn and free range
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Council Directive 1999/74/EC – Problems
1. Delay of implementation
2. The escape of the hidden eggs
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Council Directive 1999/74/EC – Delay of implementation
Consequences:
• negative precedent for other AW initiatives
• illegal trade / unfair competition for complying farmers
• price disruption
• confusion among consumers
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Council Directive 1999/74/EC – The escape of the hidden eggs
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30% of the EU production is consumed as processed egg products
(powder, liquid and colored).
Hidden eggs not covered by Directive may be found in:
• pasta
• sauces / mayo
• sweets
• liqueur
• colored Easter eggs
Facts:
• trash bin for cage eggs unless food producers commit for voluntarily
labeling
• confusion among consumers / missing freedom of choice
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Council Directive 1999/74/EC – Conclusion
It is made and implemented in a way that gives space for
confusion and enforcement problems.
It is incomplete.
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Council Directive 1999/74/EC – Solution
Extension of the existing labeling system 0,1,2,3 to all products
containing processed eggs. Advantages:
• increases speed of implementation of the ban on conventional
cages
• satisfy the freedom of choice for consumers
• reduces production in cage systems
• reduces import from third countries
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Council Directive 1999/74/EC – Support for labeling extension
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THANK YOU
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