30 years of KAT e.V.: Traceability of eggs as an industry standard.

The Egg Quality Control System KAT is gaining worldwide attention and followers. After 30 years, it is now time to reflect on the achievements. The Association for Controlled Alternative Animal Husbandry Forms (KAT e.V.) is celebrating its 30th anniversary. "KAT has set standards - not only in Europe but worldwide," stated Chairman Christoph Hönig in a press release. The control system is an internationally recognized standard for traceability, origin security, and animal welfare in laying hen farming. Since its establishment in 1995, KAT has become one of the most significant certification systems for alternative farming methods in laying hen farming in Europe. The centerpiece is the "Eggcode" system, which enables complete traceability from the producer to the supermarket shelf. A key success factor is the voluntary cooperation of all partners within the egg value chain - from feed mills, producer farms, and packing stations to retail, supported by representatives of animal welfare. For this reason, all German retail companies make KAT certification a requirement for selling shell eggs. Setting new standards According to Managing Director Dietmar Tepe, KAT played a crucial role in implementing key animal welfare regulations - such as the ban on beak trimming and chick killing. KAT has been a pioneer for decades Tepe "Our system not only guarantees seamless supply chain transparency but with its binding standards, it has ensured that legal regulations on animal welfare could actually take effect. Without KAT, many advances in animal welfare in today's form would not have been possible." Moreover, KAT has countered market distortions with its internationally unified testing system and has significantly strengthened the trust of trade, politics, and consumers. In the future, KAT will continue to act as a global benchmark for traceability and animal welfare - innovative, independent, and internationally relevant. Even beyond national borders, KAT requirements are now considered a binding benchmark for the industry. Around 3,500 businesses from 14 countries are connected to the system. According to the association, every third cage-free egg in the EU is controlled by KAT. Board changes During the general meeting, Karin Voß (EDEKA Central) was bid farewell after more than 20 years on the KAT board. Her successor is Mark Zwingmann, Head of Animal Welfare and Traceability at EDEKA.