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 production criteria that have to be met for eggs to be described as “free-range”, such as maximum stocking density on the ground and inside, remain in effect.
In the EU in 2016-2017, more than 80% of these hens had to be kept indoors for more than 12 weeks to protect them from the bird flu virus, according to industry estimates. This entailed serious losses of income for some producers who could not market eggs as free-range. (Original version in French)