Hearing to Focus on Proposed Ban on Some Animal Products

A proposed ban on the sale of food products from farms that keep animals in small, restrictive cages is the subject of a public hearing before Beacon Hill lawmakers at the Statehouse.

The hearing on Thursday before the Legislature's Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture will give lawmakers the chance to consider approving the measure before it appears on the November ballot.

Animal rights activists have collected enough signatures to place the question on the ballot.

The proposal would effectively prohibit the sale of eggs, pork and veal from animals kept in the tight spaces, wherever they are raised.

Critics say the measure could drive up the price of eggs in Massachusetts, most of which come from farms outside of the state.