Rules eased for free-range poultry
Outdoor-reared poultry that are compulsorily housed during an avian influenza outbreak look set to retain their free-range status, no matter how long they are contained.
Currently broilers can only be labelled as “free range” for up to 12 weeks after a compulsory housing order is imposed, after which they must be labelled “barn reared”.
But proposals contained in a new Defra consultation, which applies to England and Scotland, suggests that this restriction should be waved.
The consultation notes that just 3.5% of total UK poultrymeat production is free-range and that most flocks affected by mandatory housing measures would be slaughtered within the 12-week derogation period anyway.
“However, free-range turkeys, geese and ducks could potentially be affected by future mandatory housing measures, depending on the time of year they were in force,” it says.
The consultation also notes that similar proposals are also being considered in the EU, which would apply to Northern Ireland if implemented.
Philip Clarke | Farmers Weekly
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