Massachusetts consumers may not have to stockpile pork and eggs quite yet. The state is close to passing a law delaying the effective date of a rule banning the sale of pork that doesn’t meet the state’s standards.

On Jan. 1, 2022, U.S. pork producers – indeed, producers anywhere in the world – will need to meet California’s arbitrary sow housing standards if they want to sell pork in that market of 40 million consumers.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture revised and submitted for public comment proposed regulations to implement Proposition 12.

California restaurant and grocery industry leaders don’t know if they can take another hit. That’s why a coalition of California restaurants and grocery stores has filed a lawsuit to block its implementation.

Seaboard Foods, the second-biggest U.S. pork producer, will limit sales of certain pork products in California due to a measure requiring farmers provide more space for animals raised for food sold in the state.

Despite modification to proposed rules for Proposition 12, the proposed rules are flawed and more time is needed for compliance, argues The North American Meat Institute.