Michigan’s cage-free egg requirement applies beginning in 2025 to covered whole shell eggs sold in the state. It does not cover liquid or cooked eggs, and farms with fewer than 3,000 laying hens are exempt. The rule began in 2009; Public Act 132 of 2019 moved its implementation date to after December 31, 2024.
Which eggs must meet Michigan’s requirement?
The rule applies to whole shell eggs intended for human food that are sold in Michigan. A supplier’s farm does not have to be in Michigan: qualifying shell eggs sold in the state are covered regardless of where they were produced.
- Covered: whole shell eggs for human food sold in Michigan.
- Not covered: liquid eggs, cooked eggs, eggs merely transported through Michigan, and eggs brought into the state for additional processing.
These scope details are set out in the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) FAQ.
Which farms are exempt?
Shell eggs from a farm with fewer than 3,000 egg-laying hens are exempt from this requirement. The threshold appears in the Michigan statute and MDARD guidance. The exemption is based on the number of laying hens at the farm, not the location of the farm.
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- Spacious for 4-6 Hens: Measuring 82.4"L x 25.8"W x 44.1"H, this large chicken coop with run is spacious enough for 4-6 adult chickens to thrive. It’s also ideal for ducks, rabbits, and other small animals—serving as a versatile, well-ventilated home for all your backyard small livestock
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What does “cage-free” mean under Michigan law?
The statutory definition describes a controlled indoor or outdoor environment with specific housing conditions. In MDARD’s summary, hens must be able to roam unrestricted in indoor environments, employees must be able to care for them while standing within usable floor space, and the environment must provide enrichment that allows natural behaviors.
Battery cages, colony cages, enriched cages, enriched colony cages, and similar cage systems do not meet the law’s definition. A package label alone does not describe all the statutory conditions, so the legal standard is more specific than the words “cage-free.” See the MDARD summary of Public Act 132 of 2019.
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What must sellers do?
A business owner may not knowingly sell a covered shell egg if the owner knows or should know it came from hens confined in a way that violates the cage-free requirements. MDARD says sellers must obtain written confirmation from suppliers and provide the documentation to inspectors on request.
The statute also provides a defense when a business owner in good faith relied on a written supplier certification or guarantee. This makes supplier records an important part of compliance; it does not change which eggs or farms are covered.
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- 【Two Large Nesting Boxes】The 19.8in widened nest boxes on both sides provide spacious and comfy environment for egg laying and incubation. The nesting box door allows collecting eggs without disturbing the hens.
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How is compliance enforced?
MDARD says compliance is checked during routine inspections of food establishments and places selling shell eggs, and through complaint investigations. The agency describes an education-first, progressive approach: an initial instance may be recorded as a violation that the business can correct, while later violations may result in fines or other regulatory action. Fines are not described as an automatic first-step penalty. The statute authorizes civil injunctive action.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the date is 2025
Michigan’s requirement did not originate in 2025. MDARD says it began in 2009, and Public Act 132 of 2019 moved the implementation date to after December 31, 2024. As a result, the requirement applies to covered shell eggs sold in Michigan beginning in 2025.
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