Pig Gestation Stall Phase-Out Progress

Global progress on phasing out gestation stalls for pregnant pigs has been significant but uneven, with major producers still using full confinement systems.

Key Facts

The EU banned gestation stalls beyond the first four weeks of pregnancy in 2013
Several US states and major food companies have committed to phase-outs
Canada completed its phase-out timeline for the pork industry
China, the largest pork producer, has no gestation stall restrictions
Consumer awareness of gestation stalls is growing but remains limited outside welfare-engaged audiences

Welfare Considerations

Gestation stall phase-outs represent one of the most significant legislative welfare improvements for farm animals in recent decades. Confining pregnant sows in individual stalls for months — unable to turn around, perform nesting behavior, or engage in any social interaction — caused chronic physical and psychological suffering. The EU ban and voluntary corporate commitments have together affected millions of sows. The large-scale adoption of group housing demonstrates that productive pig farming without total confinement is commercially viable. The unfinished task involves extending protections to the majority of the world pig herd outside current regulatory reach.

What You Can Do

Support pork from producers verified to have completed gestation stall phase-outs
Advocate for gestation stall bans in countries that still permit the practice
Choose pork products certified to group housing standards in your purchasing
Support global welfare organizations working on gestation stall phase-out campaigns
Reduce pork consumption from conventional sources while encouraging industry transition