Meat&Poultry - September 2012 - 17

its members to call their US senators and ask them to oppose the plan. US beef groups agree. According to Cristina Llorens, manager of communications for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, NCBA is concerned about the egg inspection amendments. “Mandated animal-production practices, such as those proposed in this legislation, are not in the best interest of promoting true animal welfare because they cannot easily be adapted or updated for different farming models,” Llorens says. The proposed mandate would also bring increased costs to consumers and limit their choices, she adds. Llorens also points out 97 percent of US farms are owned by individuals, families or family corporations. “This kind of legislative mandate will add additional regulatory and fi nancial burdens on these familyowned businesses,” she says. “The beef industry has voluntary programs that set guidelines for raising healthy cattle. These programs should never be weakened by being misused as the basis for a one-sizefits-all mandated approach to cattle production. H.R. 3798 could result in additional legislation that would target cattle producers.” The National Chicken Council has not taken a position on the legislation itself. But Thomas Super, vice president of communications for the trade association, says NCC does have concerns about the federal government mandating on-farm production practices. NCC is particularly sensitive because it represents both poultry processors and growers. Super also notes the differences between the broiler and layer industries. “The table egg industry

and the broiler chicken industry are two completely different industries,” he says. “Broiler chickens produced for meat are not raised in cages,” he points out. But Feinstein’s effort to create national standards is related to an initiative passed by residents of California four years ago requiring hens be able to stretch their wings and turn around. More than five other states have created similar rules, creating a patchwork of standards. Producers and processors are afraid the same thing could happen in their industries. And small-egg producers are afraid it could drive them out of business.

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Backers of the national plan deny it would lead to a “slippery slope” where animal welfare groups, if they can succeed in changing how hens are raised, would next go after livestock industries, including poultry and meat producers and processors. If the national plan were to stand up to the scrutiny it is undergoing, it would then be added to the 2012 Farm Bill being considered by the House and Senate. What would stop additional amendments to the Farm Bill from affecting meat and poultry producers and processors? Could it lead to additional space and humane regulations before animals are slaughtered? Recent charges of humane treatment violations in the meat industry are making this issue even more challenging to the industry. ■
Bernard Shire is a contributing editor based in Lancaster, Pa. Shire also works as a food safety consultant with Shire & Associates LLC. We would like to hear from you – to comment on this story or to request reprints, contact us by email at meatpoultry@sosland.com.

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Meat&Poultry - September 2012

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