"It is important that any country imposing legislation on the egg industry must take into account the latest scientific research and not require unrealistic changes that are not only costly, but also damaging to the industry. The IEC supports strictanimal welfare guidelines, but not changes recommended without any scientific evidence that improves welfare." The International Egg Commission (IEC) has attacked the EU Directive laying down standards for laying hens as being 'draconian' and 'based oninsufficient research'. "It will remove consumer choice and result in many consumers on low incomes no longer having access to an important low-cost source of protein," said IEC Chairman, Brian Ellsworth. The IEC cannot support Council Directive 1999/74/EC, laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens in the European Union. In particular, the requirements on bird stocking density and a ban on the use of conventional laying cages by 2012, may not necessarily lead to improved bird welfare. Scientific evidence clearly shows that the health of both the bird and stockman are better with birds housed in cages.
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