Animal Welfare

EU Parliament ENVI Committee Tables Amendments 29–278 to CAP Support Conditions 2028–2034

ENVI committee members have tabled a large package of amendments (29–278) to the draft CAP support regulation for 2028–2034 that would tie more of the budget to climate, biodiversity, pollution control, protein crops and higher animal‑welfare standards. If carried into the final post‑2027 CAP, these changes would strengthen conditionality on harmful pesticides and other inputs, expand support for agroecological and regenerative systems, and increase the share of CAP funding linked to measurable environmental and One Health outcomes.

10 Apr 2026, 12:39europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Council Presidency Tables Compromise Amendments to Food and Feed Safety Regulations

The EU Council is progressing a comprehensive "omnibus" reform to simplify and strengthen food and feed safety requirements across ten major regulatory frameworks. This initiative signals a move toward more integrated enforcement and streamlined compliance procedures for pesticides, biocides, and food hygiene across the European supply chain.

6 Apr 2026, 18:43eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Great Britain: Home Office Outlines Phased Roadmap for Regulating Decapods Used in Science

The UK Home Office has initiated a phased roadmap to regulate decapods in scientific research, beginning with industry-led welfare standards and voluntary reporting. Research institutions should anticipate future inclusion of decapods under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, necessitating early alignment with emerging welfare protocols.

5 Apr 2026, 19:32gov.ukUnited Kingdom

US Senate Introduces AFTER Act (S. 4172) on Retirement of Federal Research Animals

The US Senate introduced the AFTER Act (S. 4172) to mandate retirement and adoption plans for animals used in federal research facilities. While industry testing obligations remain unchanged, the move signals increasing federal oversight of animal welfare that could influence future research ethics and public-sector laboratory standards.

5 Apr 2026, 06:11govinfo.govUnited States

Netherlands Agriculture Minister Reports Progress on Stable Fire Safety Measures and Planned Inspections

The Dutch government is transitioning toward mandatory electrical and fire-safety inspections for livestock stables, with key technical schemes expected to be finalized by mid-2026. Agricultural operators should anticipate increased technical oversight and utilize the new NIPV risk-assessment framework to manage long-term liability and insurance requirements.

2 Apr 2026, 17:29open.overheid.nlNetherlands

Textile Exchange Materials Matter Standard Effective 2026 With Mandatory Certification From 2027

Textile Exchange has finalized its Materials Matter Standard (MMS), consolidating legacy certification schemes into a single framework effective December 2026 and mandatory by end-2027. This shift requires textile manufacturers to align chemical management and sustainability reporting with outcome-based criteria to maintain market access and meet tightening global PFAS compliance expectations.

2 Apr 2026, 09:01textileexchange.orgGlobal

Canada Approves Genetically Engineered PRRSV-Resistant Pigs For Food And Feed

Canada approved genetically engineered PRRSV-resistant pigs for food and feed use in January 2026. This alignment with major trading partners facilitates biotech adoption in the food supply chain and confirms that no special labeling is required for these gene-edited products.

1 Apr 2026, 14:42canada.caCanada

EU Council Presidency Suggests Amendments to Organic Production Regulation on Imports, Logo Use and Certification

The EU Council Presidency has proposed amendments to the Organic Production Regulation, extending third-country equivalence to 2036 and revising EU logo rules for imported ingredients. This shift requires supply chain adjustments for processed goods using imported organic components while offering operational relief through simplified certification and broader access to cleaning agents.

29 Mar 2026, 19:02data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Council Presidency Compromise on Directive Amending Food and Feed Safety Rules in Directives 98/58/EC and 2009/128/EC

The EU Council Presidency has advanced a compromise text to consolidate food and feed safety rules, including the repeal of legacy migration testing directives for plastic food-contact materials. This shift toward a simplified framework signals a tightening of safety standards that will require businesses to update compliance testing and risk assessments for food-contact articles and pesticide use.

29 Mar 2026, 17:48eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Council Presidency Circulates Compromise Text On Food And Feed Safety Omnibus Proposal

The EU Council is advancing a major "Omnibus" proposal to streamline and update safety requirements across ten core food, feed, and chemical regulations, including those for pesticides and biocides. This initiative signals a move toward more harmonized enforcement and administrative simplification, requiring businesses to monitor potential shifts in compliance obligations across the agricultural and chemical supply chains.

29 Mar 2026, 17:42eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Wisconsin Senate Fails to Pass SB1182 on Animal Testing of Cosmetics

Wisconsin’s legislative attempt to ban animal testing for cosmetics failed to pass in March 2026, stalling new compliance requirements for the industry. While immediate operational changes are not required, the bill's introduction signals ongoing political appetite for animal welfare standards that may resurface in future sessions.

28 Mar 2026, 20:28docs.legis.wisconsin.govUnited States

Belgium (AFSCA) Issues Circular On Egg Marketing Standards For Hen Eggs

Belgium’s food safety agency (AFSCA) implemented a consolidated circular on egg marketing standards in March 2026, aligning national enforcement with recent EU hygiene and labeling regulations. Operators must ensure strict adherence to updated grading and stamping protocols to mitigate the risk of product downgrading and ensure continued market access under the new inspection regime.

28 Mar 2026, 20:28favv-afsca.beBelgium

Norway Opens Consultation On Amendments To Regulation On Use Of Animals In Experiments

Norway is consulting on stricter animal welfare standards for scientific experiments to align with EU Delegated Directive 2024/1262. Research facilities and life sciences firms must review laboratory protocols for zebrafish, cephalopods, and rodents to ensure compliance with updated housing and euthanasia requirements.

28 Mar 2026, 16:59hoering.mattilsynet.noNorway

EU ENVI Committee Proposes CAP 2028–2034 Amendments on Pesticide and Fertiliser Conditionality

The EU ENVI Committee has proposed tightening the link between 2028–2034 agricultural subsidies and strict compliance with pesticide, fertiliser, and water protection regulations. This development signals a shift toward mandatory digital record-keeping and performance-based environmental standards, increasing pressure on the agri-chemical supply chain to support farm-level compliance.

28 Mar 2026, 16:57europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Lower Saxony Publishes Eckpunkte Guidance On Video Surveillance In Slaughterhouses

Lower Saxony has published key principles for video surveillance in slaughterhouses to enhance animal welfare transparency, ahead of expected federal mandates. Operators should align current voluntary systems with these technical and procedural benchmarks to anticipate future compliance requirements and inspection standards.

28 Mar 2026, 09:35ml.niedersachsen.deGermany

UK Government Publishes Outcome Of Fur Market In Great Britain Call For Evidence

The UK government published the outcome of its fur market call for evidence on March 26, 2026, signaling a move toward potential future trade restrictions. While no immediate changes are enacted, the formation of a dedicated working group indicates a strategic shift toward tighter controls or labeling requirements for fur products.

28 Mar 2026, 09:35gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UK Animal Welfare Committee Issues Opinion on Responsible Sourcing of Fur Imports Into Great Britain

The UK Animal Welfare Committee has issued a formal opinion concluding that current welfare and traceability standards for imported fur are inadequate. Businesses should prepare for potential regulatory shifts toward mandatory species-specific labelling, enhanced supply chain traceability, and possible future restrictions on fur imports.

28 Mar 2026, 09:35gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UK Home Office Issues 2026 Code of Practice for Care and Accommodation of Animals in Science

The UK Home Office has published a new mandatory Code of Practice for the care and accommodation of animals used in science, effective June 25, 2026. Establishments must update internal compliance protocols and infrastructure to meet these revised minimum standards for housing, equipment, and husbandry.

27 Mar 2026, 18:41gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Great Britain: Home Office Issues Advisory Standards On Care And Accommodation Of Animals In Science

The UK Home Office has published new advisory standards to complement the mandatory 2026 Code of Practice for animal care in scientific research, effective June 25, 2026. Licensed facilities should use these standards to benchmark internal welfare protocols and ensure compliance with the upcoming statutory requirements for animal housing and husbandry.

27 Mar 2026, 18:41gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UK Home Office Issues 2026 Code of Practice on Care and Accommodation of Animals in Science

The UK Home Office has published an updated statutory Code of Practice for animal care in scientific research, which becomes legally binding on June 25, 2026. While core standards remain consistent, the removal of advisory guidance from the statutory text clarifies the mandatory compliance baseline for all licensed research and breeding facilities.

27 Mar 2026, 18:41gov.ukUnited Kingdom