Confusion on Purchasing Pork Expected in California
Overview
- Proposition 12 was approved by voters to establish new regulations on animal housing for pigs, calves and egg-laying hens essentially banning California and out-of-state farmers from selling eggs, pork or veal that comes from animals housed that do not meet the requirement. Proposition 12 has faced widespread criticism as confusing, vague and impossible to implement.
Pork Uncertainty in 2023
- California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) estimates that consumer prices will increase as a result of Proposition 12 because producers will have to implement costly measures to comply and operate in the long term. They estimate that it may take several years for farmers to comply and will result in a shortfall of products and increase in consumer prices.
- CDFA only just proposed regulations for public comment, without enough time to implement the final guidance – making most pork illegal for sale in California in the new year.
Disproportionately Harms Asian and Latino Restaurants, Grocers, and Families
- The result in pork not being permitted to be sold in California due to the delays by the CDFA will create food insecurity by decreasing the supply and increasing the price of pork on small businesses and families who cannot afford it.
- Disproportionately harms Latino and Asian grocers, restaurants and families who rely on pork as primary protein staple in everyday meals at a time when they cannot take another hit.
- Culturally, both Latino and Asian populations, eat more pork compared to the average American who consumes higher quantities of beef.
- For example, Latinos are far more likely than non-Latinos to use fresh pork in Mexican or other Latino dishes (39% vs. 5%). For all in-home dining occasions, families who serve fresh pork with kids at the table are more likely to be Latinos (53%) than non-Latinos (32%).