Hen Welfare Bill in Congress

The Humane Society of the United States has joined forces with United Egg Producers, a group that accounts for almost 87 percent of domestic egg companies, to push for the passage of a new bill that will set national standards for hen welfare—the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012. Requirements in the bill include the gradual abolition of battery cages, enriched environments for hens that allow them to engage in natural behaviors, labeling of cartons to provide transparency about the welfare standards of each company, and more. While HSUS supports the bill because of its increased concern for the comfort and safety of hens, the UEP also sides with it because it will resolve state-by-state inconsistencies in policy that creates conflict in the industry’s commerce.