Document type: Answer to Question E-001193/2024 from the European Commission
Authors: question: Tom Vandenkendelaere (PPE). Answer: Mrs Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
Question: Legislative proposals on harmonised animal welfare rules relating to turkeys
At the Commission's request, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently working on a scientific opinion on the welfare of animals, including turkeys. For the sector, it is particularly important that this should ensure a level playing field within the EU. According to the mandate given to EFSA, the opinion should be delivered by December 2025.
1- Are there specific plans to put forward legislative proposals on animal welfare relating to turkeys after EFSA submits its opinion?
2- If so, when is the Commission expected to present those legislative proposals?
Answer: The Farm to Fork Strategy [1] foresees a revision of the EU's animal welfare legislation including Council Directive 98/58/EC [2] concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes. Preparatory work is ongoing, including elaboration of certain general welfare standards for turkeys. The Commission is now reflecting and carefully assessing important aspects, including the related costs for animal welfare improvements by farmers and the appropriate length of the transition period for such improvements. The Commission will consider the outcome of the ongoing European Food Safety Authority scientific opinion on the welfare of turkeys and other farmed animals in that process. No date of adoption of a possible legislative proposal has been decided.
[1] https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/farm-fork-strategy_en#:~:text=The%20Farm%20to%20Fork%20Strategy%20is%20at%20the%20heart%20of,if%20they%20are%20not%20sustainable
[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:31998L0058
