Research into pig enrichment materials has identified specific characteristics that meet rooting and foraging drives — findings that must now be translated into better regulatory requirements.
Pig enrichment science has provided regulators with clear guidance that has not yet been translated into adequate legal requirements. The EFSA classification of enrichment materials — distinguishing highly beneficial from merely compliant options — gives authorities the evidence base to mandate minimum material quality. The continued permissibility of "insufficient" enrichment such as hanging chains under EU law perpetuates welfare deficits despite regulatory intent. Consumer certification demands for highly beneficial enrichment, combined with advocacy for regulatory update to reflect EFSA guidance, are the most direct pathways to closing this policy-evidence gap.