The regulation extending from 12 to 16 weeks the period of time during which hens reared with access to open-air runs have to be kept indoors without their eggs losing their “free-range” marketing designation came into force on Wednesday 22 November.
“This extension should minimise financial losses for producers in the event of an epidemic while, at the same time, providing guarantees for consumers that the derogation is for a limited period”, said the European Commission. The other...