The egg industry in China is shifting to free-range mode

The egg industry in China is phasing out the use of cages for egg-laying hens. For the first time, a set of standards has been developed by a coalition of national organizations.

This is a development step, following in the footsteps of countries in Europe and America to enhance the welfare of chickens in particular, and livestock animals in general.

This change is part of the Guidelines for evaluating cage-free egg production, which will take place between now and 2025.

China endorses cage-free eggs

A report published last October detailed nationwide criteria for egg producers. In summary, the report informs organizations in the egg industry on how to improve their facilities. In addition, the report also provides retailers with the opportunity to rate suppliers on their welfare status.

The report was compiled by IQC, FAI Farms, China Chain Store and Franchise Association (CCFA) and China Animal Health and Food Safety Alliance (CAFA).

At the summit where the standard was announced, CCFA Vice President Chu Dong said that all manufacturers that meet the standard will be able to label their products as “cage-free.”

According to The Pou Bird Site, the document marks a “major milestone” in making shopping easier for consumers and agreeing on a definition of the “cage-free” label.

But the Global Coalition for Animal Welfare (GCAW) recommends that government involvement and traceability be needed to ensure the easiest transition.

Additionally, the cost of converting to cage-free farming must be considered to support egg producers. Going forward, the organization said it will work with suppliers to explore the development of cage-free production.

China's egg industry

China is the world's largest egg producing country. This has been happening for the past three decades and is largely on the rise.

But currently, the country does not have any marketing or labeling standards.

While the report was widely welcomed by campaigners, GCAW said mandatory standards for mandatory cage-free egg production were yet to happen.

“Linking cage-free egg production with safe, quality food products is key to benefiting producers,” the organization said.

Cage Elimination in Other Parts of the World

It's not just China that is showing signs of increasing animal welfare in its agricultural systems.

Europe will ban cages in its farming systems by 2027 following pressure from NGOs.

In September last year, the British government introduced a bill to completely ban cages for raising laying hens. The campaign to secure passage is ongoing.

Elsewhere, New Zealand, or Aotearoa (Māori), has confirmed a ban on battery cages. The ban will take effect this year.

However, animal advocates have also called for an end to agricultural barns which, although larger than the old battery barns, are a cramped living space for hens so campaigners have long considered this practice cruel and unacceptable.