Dutch demand higher standards than the EU
A proposal has been approved by the Dutch government to ban ‘enriched cages’ for layer hens, effective from January 2009.
It is pointless for producers in the Netherlands to invest in the EU-approved cages after 17 April, said a ministry statement.
The standards have been set and Dutch hens will need to be housed in the so-called small group system, which was first developed in Germany.
As from the beginning of 2009, this is the only form of cage that will be authorised for egg production in the country. The ministry said this system allows hens to carry out natural behaviour.
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