Massachusetts Restaurants Brace for Higher Pork Prices Due to Animal Welfare Measure, Trade Group Warns

As Massachusetts prepares to implement an animal welfare measure later this month, the state’s restaurants are anticipating potential pork shortages and increased prices, reports the trade group representing them, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA). The MRA, among the plaintiffs who sought a stay for the law until August 23, says the measure, similar to California’s Prop 12, mandates that pork products sold in Massachusetts must come from pigs raised with enough space to turn around.

The law, which was approved by Massachusetts voters in 2016, aims to improve animal welfare standards. However, MRA President Stephen Clark believes the law will result in a scarcity of compliant pork products and a subsequent rise in prices. Clark expressed his concerns to the MetroWest Daily News, stating, “There is going to be a shortage of compliant pork, and a price increase.”