(WWJ) In 2025, Michigan is a cage-free state when it comes to eggs.
A new state law signed in November means that egg laying hens will need to be housed in cage-free systems in the New Year, and that most shelled eggs sold in the state of Michigan must also be from cage-free housing systems.
These requirements took effect on December 31, 2024.
WWJ Newsradio 950's Ryan Wrecker reports Michigan is the fifth U.S. state, and also the largest egg producer in the country, to adopt a cage-free requirement for hens.
A cage-free environment is defined under Michigan law as spaces where hens are free to roam in areas where employees can walk into to provide care. Enrichments such as scratch areas, perches, nest boxes, and dust bathing areas are required.
There are some exceptions. The new the new requirements do not apply t to liquid or cooked egg products, and the new requirement does not apply to the sale of shell eggs that are the product of a farm with less than 3,000 egg-laying hens.
The law places responsibility on any business owner who sells shell eggs to ensure the eggs meet the state requirements.
Learn more about Michigan's new cage-free egg law, here.