How must Free Range eggs be produced?
Eggs described as “free range” must be produced in poultry establishments in which the hens:- • Have continuous daytime access to open air runs. • Have access to ground mainly covered with vegetation. • Each have at least 10 square metres of ground available and their building has either:- i) Stocking density of no more than 7 hens per square metre of floor space and at least one-third of this area is covered with litter material such as straw and a sufficiently large part of the floor area is used for the collection of the bird droppings; or ii) A maximum stocking density of no more than 25 hens per square metre of floor space and the building is fitted with sufficient perches to ensure not less than 15cm for each hen. If you intend using other descriptions of the methods of farming (semi-intensive, deep litter, or perchery) please seek further advice. MAFF Egg Inspectorate – Tel – 01902 693132 How should I handle my eggs? The following should assist you in ensuring that the eggs you
