CVMA watches new bill to limit importation of eggs in California

Sacramento, Calif.

-- As a result of Proposition 2, which bans gestational crates, veal crates and battery cages, the state Legislature is considering a new bill that would limit the import of eggs.

It is meant to put California egg producers on an even playing field with out-of-state producers who don't have to adhere to the same cage guidelines, according to Dr. Bill Grant II, president of the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).

California food-animal producers have until 2015 to comply fully with the law, but that doesn't mean they weren't worried about the economic impact it would have, Grant says.

The proposed bill requires that imported eggs must conform to the standards established by Proposition 2 (passed last November), also known as the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act.

"There was a concern last year that all of a sudden there would be a flood of imported eggs from across the country to California," Grant says. "If this passes, that would not be the case."

CVMA has a "watch" position on the bill.