Arizona Judge Strikes Down State Mandate for Cage-Free Eggs

A Maricopa County judge ruled in favor of Grant Krueger, a restaurant owner, striking down an Arizona state rule that required all eggs sold in the state to come from cage-free hens. Krueger argued that the mandate increased his business costs. The ruling stated that state agencies cannot impose rules without clear authorization from lawmakers.

The Arizona Department of Agriculture had established the Cage-Free Egg Rule in 2022, estimating that the mandate would add between $20 million and $66 million in costs for Arizonans. The court decision limits the regulatory authority of state agencies in the agricultural sector.