This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

reputable news agency

proofread

EU agency recommends end use of cages to raise chickens

broiler
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Scientists at the European Food Safety Agency on Tuesday recommended ending the use of cages to raise broiler chickens and laying hens in order to improve the animals' welfare.

The two scientific assessments also recommended ending the practice of mutilation and feed restrictions, as well as providing advice on how to improve structures to house chickens.

The studies were requested by the European Commission to provide a scientific basis to support efforts to make food production environmentally-friendly and food healthier, as well as the ongoing revision of the EU's animal welfare legislation.

The EFSA's recommendations include reducing the density in which chickens are housed, allowing them access outside and reducing noise levels.

© 2023 AFP

Citation: EU agency recommends end use of cages to raise chickens (2023, February 21) retrieved 19 April 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2023-02-eu-agency-cages-chickens.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Chicken and farmed salmon have remarkably similar environmental footprints

11 shares

Feedback to editors