October 2024
The Association Étiquette Bien-Être Animal unveils its innovative standard for laying hens!
Following on from broilers and pork, the Association Étiquette Bien-Être Animal (Animal Welfare Label Association) has taken another step forward by finalizing a set of standards for the labeling of products from laying hens. A real step forward for the industry, the label is based on the evaluation of means and results indicators, with direct observations on the animals, and ensures traceability from birth to slaughter.
This approach is part of a drive to meet growing consumer demand for products that are more respectful of animal welfare: in March 2023, 82% of French people supported the introduction of mandatory labeling of farming methods.
The standard applies to shell eggs, egg products and all products containing eggs. It includes the evaluation of results indicators, such as Animal Based Measures, in line with ANSES recommendations.
The Animal Welfare Label for laying hens: a comprehensive transparency and traceability tool
With 144 criteria, the technical standard assesses the level of welfare of parents, chicks, pullets and laying hens, from birth to the end of production. This standard, the fruit of close collaboration between the entire production chain and animal protection NGOs, is also based on several external consultations, ensuring its relevance and operationality.
Why choose the Animal Welfare Label?
- Enhanced consumer information : The standard offers reassurance regarding animal welfare criteria, going well beyond the simple references on egg codes, which only provide information on the farming method.
- Supply chain visibility: It ensures complete traceability from birth to slaughter.
- Valuing existing practices: Innovative animal welfare initiatives benefit from bonuses, encouraging their adoption.
- A solid foundation for the future: This standard is part of a continuous improvement process and takes into account the latest scientific advances: a pioneer, it meets all French and European recommendations in terms of animal welfare labelling.
Key figures of the technical reference system for laying hens
144 precise criteria including :
- 26 criteria for parents and hatcheries
- 23 criteria for rearing pullets
- 86 criteria for rearing laying hens
- 9 criteria for collection and traceability
Farms with access to the open air are eligible for grades A and B. Floor systems with verandas, recognized as significantly improving the well-being of layers, can be awarded a C grade.
Technical specifications available here.
Professionals, join us!
Participation in the labeling process is voluntary, and can be done on a range-by-range basis. Every year, 100% of our layer farms are inspected by independent, qualified auditors.
Recent deployment statistics
- In just five years, the Association Étiquette Bien-Être Animal already has 24 members, including animal protection NGOs, players in the distribution, trade and catering sectors, as well as producer and processor organizations.
- The label has been widely deployed in the broiler industry, with nearly 40% of French breeders audited and 70% of supermarkets involved. Over thirty ranges are now labelled on the shelves.
Next step: the dairy cattle industry!
Following the successful co-construction of three standards (poultry, pigs and eggs), the Association Étiquette Bien-Être Animal (Animal Welfare Label Association) announces the launch of work for the dairy cattle sector, continuing its commitment to animal welfare.
Join us in this innovative approach: be part of this collective drive for the well-being of farm animals!
