Starting January 1, 2025, a new regulation in Colorado will require all eggs sold in the state to be sourced from cage-free facilities. The shift, driven by House Bill 20-1343 (the Confinement of Egg-Laying Hens law), is poised to impact egg producers, retailers, and consumers alike as it emphasizes animal welfare standards and transparency in labeling.
New Rules for Colorado’s Egg Producers
Under this new regulation, any Colorado-based egg producer with more than 3,000 egg-laying hens must adhere to the cage-free housing standards by the start of the new year. The law doesn’t only apply to production within Colorado’s borders; all eggs and egg products sold in the state must comply. Consumers will see labels such as “CO-COM,” “organic,” or “cage-free” to indicate compliance, allowing them to make informed purchases that align with the updated animal welfare standards.
Colorado Egg Producers’ Executive Director, Bill Scebbi, voiced support for the new standards, describing the industry’s transition as a “natural progression” in aligning with consumer expectations. “Our members have always prioritized responsible and humane practices,” he said, highlighting that many of Colorado’s egg producers had already taken steps toward cage-free systems even before the law was enacted. The upcoming changes reflect an industry already moving toward more humane practices, bolstered by consumer demand for ethically sourced products.
Annual Audits and Certification
To ensure compliance, Colorado’s egg producers will undergo annual audits conducted by accredited certifying agents. These audits assess housing conditions, ensuring that each facility meets the strict standards required by the law. After passing the audit, producers receive official certification from the state, which signals their compliance to retailers and consumers.
The certification system is essential for maintaining transparency and trust in the new system. By verifying compliance annually, Colorado can ensure that producers adhere to the cage-free standards in practice—not just in name. This oversight benefits producers who are committed to humane practices and allows consumers to confidently support local farmers who meet the highest standards.
The Growing Demand for Cage-Free Eggs
Colorado’s cage-free law aligns with a larger trend toward humane and sustainable farming practices. Across the United States, consumer preferences are shifting. More shoppers now prioritize products that reflect ethical treatment of animals and sustainability. As a result, other states have enacted similar cage-free regulations, and major retailers like Walmart and Kroger have committed to exclusively stocking cage-free eggs by set dates within the next few years.
The cage-free trend has been gaining traction for nearly a decade, but the recent push from lawmakers and industry leaders alike indicates a significant shift. In Colorado, the new law is part of an ongoing conversation about food quality, animal welfare, and the responsibilities of both producers and consumers.
The industry is prepared for this shift. As Scebbi noted, Colorado egg producers remain committed to “innovation and sustainability,” ensuring that even as they change practices, they continue to provide the high-quality eggs that consumers expect. This means investing in new facilities, training, and housing systems that allow hens to roam freely in larger, enriched environments.
What the Cage-Free Law Means for Colorado Consumers
For Colorado residents, the law’s implementation will bring visible changes to grocery store shelves. Labels such as “cage-free” or “organic” will become the standard for eggs sold in the state, giving consumers more confidence in the products they choose. While cage-free eggs are generally priced slightly higher than conventional eggs, the law reflects a broader commitment to ethical practices that many shoppers are willing to support.
By pushing for transparency and humane practices, Colorado is positioning itself as a leader in progressive food standards. The impact of the cage-free law, however, goes beyond just egg production. It signals a shift in how consumers, producers, and policymakers view food production—a shift that could inspire other sectors of agriculture to adopt similar standards.