California’s new humane-treatment rule for egg-laying hens takes effect on Jan 1 and is having an impact on producers as far away as Pennsylvania, says Bloomberg. The California rule requires farmers to give hens enough space to stand, extend their wings and lie down if they want to sell eggs in the state. “California is the biggest U.S. egg-consuming state, importing more than 30 percent of its eggs,” says Bloomberg. “California’s law could push up grocery prices as farmers boost their use of costlier cage-free housing or reduce the number of birds in their cages.” The rules also come at a time when Americans are eating more eggs, as a protein source that costs less than meat.
Inspectors have visited egg farms in the Midwest to certify if they allow enough space for chickens and can put a special stamp on egg cartons cleared for sale in California, says Bloomberg. It says there is disagreement over how to apply the new rule. Six states tried to overturn the law and now are appealing an adverse ruling in federal court. The Humane Society of the United States, which backed the referendum that led to new rule, says the state is not interpreting it properly.