Californian egg welfare ruling comes into effect

As of January 1st 2015, egg producers in the US state of California need to comply with the requirements of California’s Proposition 2 , which voters passed in 2008. The initiative, backed by animal rights activists, was designed to move farmers away from traditional battery cages for laying hens.

The measure, which voters passed by more than 63%, requires egg-laying chickens to have enough room to lie down, stand up, sit down, turn around and fully extend their wings by Jan. 1, 2015.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture, which generally inspects egg facilities, has stated that it will not be in charge of enforcing Prop 2 but rather local law enforcement will oversee this as the measure makes it a misdemeanor to place hens into small cages.

To become compliant with the ruling many US egg suppliers including NestFresh, have updated their brand packaging with the hope of communicating the movement for increased humane practices of hens across the country.

Previous NestFresh packaging showed the iconic mountains home to Colorado, the company’s birthplace. Several of the new labels showcase photos taken at NestFresh farms across the country, incorporating cage free barns and the natural living conditions the hens enjoy every day. Further, organic labels show the free range hens in the beautiful outdoor area provided on the farm. “With increased product awareness about humane animal treatment and Proposition 2, we’re hoping to communicate our leadership in this movement, and showcase the hens and their environment as the center of our industry,” the company said in a statement.

As a part of the Hidden Villa Ranch brand family, NestFresh eggs are certified cage-free and include products that are Non-GMO Project Verified as well as pasture raised.