BEUC's Response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence: On-Farm Animal Welfare

European consumers expect farming practices regulations to ensure that animals are treated
ethically. To this end, consumers expect the phasing out of cages and of mutilation practices.
Upholding animal welfare standards is pivotal to guaranteeing food quality and safety, but also to
protect human health, since many consumers consider antimicrobial resistance (AMR) a significant
problem. Finally, consumers expect consistent EU-wide animal welfare regulations to be applied both
to EU products, and to those imported from outside the EU.