Impact of California’s Animal Welfare Legislation – Jay Lee’s U.S. Report (129)

Impact of California's Animal Welfare Law - Jay Lee's US Dispatch (129)

Proposition 12 Takes Effect from This Year…Minimum Space Requirements for Animal Farming

Sales of Pork, Veal, and Egg Products that Violate Standards Banned

Raises Awareness in the US and International Community…Other States Propose Similar Bills

△ Lee Jong-chan, CEO of J&B Food Consulting

In California, Proposition 12 was introduced in 2018 to improve animal welfare and enhance public health and food safety. Although it was supposed to be implemented in 2022, the law was delayed due to opposition from livestock farms and businesses in other states, but it officially came into effect in January 2024.

Based on research indicating that animals experience less stress and are less exposed to diseases when raised in larger spaces, this law sets minimum space standards for farm animals and prohibits the sale of products produced in ways that do not meet those standards.

Key provisions of the law require pigs to have at least 24 square feet (about 2.23 m²) of space, calves to have at least 43 square feet (about 3.99 m²) of space, and egg-laying hens to have at least 144 square inches (about 929 cm²) of space. The sale of pork, veal, and egg products that do not meet these space standards is banned in California.

Since Proposition 12 was passed, some agricultural organizations have argued that the law will increase agricultural production costs and lead to higher consumer prices. In fact, the law has caused egg prices to rise and egg shortages in California. Additionally, California has a significant influence on the US bacon market, consuming about 13% of the supply.

Farmers outside of California have claimed that the state's law unfairly affects them, but the law was upheld after being reviewed by both the California Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court.

Proposition 12 is strengthening animal welfare standards within California and is also raising awareness about improving animal welfare across the US and internationally. Since the implementation of Proposition 12, 13 other states have proposed or passed similar laws.

Proposition 12 is promoting changes in agricultural production methods and helping consumers choose more ethical products. In fact, extreme confinement of animals can pose serious public health risks. Confining farm animals in small cages increases the risk of food safety threats like salmonella and E. coli, as well as the risk of other infectious diseases.

The American Public Health Association, the American Infectious Disease Association, and the Center for Food Safety have expressed support for the constitutionality of Proposition 12. They stated that confining mother pigs in farrowing crates, where they cannot turn around, severely suppresses their immune systems.

Amid ongoing outbreaks of animal diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza in Korea, it is necessary to consider international animal welfare laws not only for animal welfare but also for public health.

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jay@jnbfoodconsulting.com or 714-873-5566

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