Free-range systems indoors
Free-range hens move freely indoors in large pens with litter on the floor. The hens sand bathe on the floor and have access to perches at different heights and nest boxes to lay their eggs in. There is a difference between a single- and multi-storey system. Multi-storey systems have several shelves (floors), and the hens can choose at what height above the floor they want to be at different times. The hens often move throughout the system but seek higher ground when it is time for the night's rest.
Filter
| Download | Description | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information about origin - non-compound products | Core | Technical specification | ||
Criterion information Information about origin can be enlightening for contracting authorities, e.g. which environmental laws applied to the production. Traceability is a prerequisite for being able to track any product defects and ensuring that the product meets the correct quality requirements. Criterion text For non-compound products made of a single raw material, un-mixed or mixed with flavourings, additives or equivalent, written information must be provided upon request:
| ||||
| Information about origin compound products - milk and eggs | Advanced | Technical specification | ||
Criterion information Information on the origin of milk and eggs can be an informative aspect for procuring authorities with regard to the product, e.g., what environmental and animal protection laws that applied during the production. Criterion text For compound products with an egg and/or milk content above 20%, written information must be made available on request, specifying the country in which the raw material was produced and refined. | ||||
| Production form - free-range system indoors | Core | Technical specification | ||
Criterion information Free-range hens move freely indoors in large pens with litter on the floor. The hens have a large total area to move in which is beneficial for bone and leg strength, but it also allows them to avoid each other. In addition, they have good opportunities to scratch and express other natural behaviour. Criterion text Whole eggs and egg products must be produced by laying hens that have had access to nest boxes, sand baths and perches, and can move freely in the pen. | ||||
| Antibiotics | Advanced | Technical specification | ||
Criterion information A high use of antibiotics risks increasing antibiotic resistance. Bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics constitute a growing international public health problem. The development of resistance is associated with the overuse of antibiotics and it is therefore important that antibiotics are not used for preventive purposes in livestock production. Criterion text Antibiotics must only be used when prescribed by a veterinarian and when doing so is medically justified. Documented routines for antibiotics use must exist at production level and be available on request. | ||||
| More sustainably produced soy in animal feed | Core | Technical specification | ||
Criterion information The cultivation of soy can entail large environmental risks due to the high use of pesticides, soil erosion, along with the risk for land use change and deforestation in species-rich forest and grassland areas. Contracting organisations can specify requirements that improve the prerequisites for a transition to a more sustainable production of soy. Criterion text Animal-based foods shall come from animals where the soy1, if included in the feed, is produced in such a way that, at a minimum, it covers the following:
It is adequate that the documentation of the traceability of the soy can be shown through a segregated supply chain (Identity Preserved or Segregated), or through the principle of mass balance, or through the principle for credits (Credits/Book and Claim). | ||||
| No synthetic colouring in feed | Core | Technical specification | ||
Criterion information Synthetic colouring, e.g. canthaxanthin (so-called R-phrases), used in feed for laying hens give the egg a brightly coloured yolk but do not improve the quality of the feed for the animal. Synthetic colouring can increase the risk of developing allergies in children. Criterion text Egg products must come from laying hens that have not received feed containing synthetic colouring. | ||||
| No beak trimming of laying hens | Core | Technical specification | ||
Criterion information Beak trimming of laying hens is implemented in many countries. This means that a portion of the upper and the lower mandible is burned or radiated away with infrared light when the chicken is 1-2 days old. Criterion text Egg products must come from animals whose beak has not modified during breeding, such as through trimming. This requirement also applies to the parent generation. | ||||
| Health reporting system | Spearhead | Technical specification | ||
Criterion information Healthy animals are an important aspect of animal welfare. Moreover, it is an important aspect for climate impact as healthy animals also produce more efficiently. A low mortality rate in production is a significant indicator. Criterion text Eggs must come from a producer that works in accordance with a health reporting system with health parameters for animal welfare. Parameters are to be monitored in a systematic way, causes must be analysed, deviations must be documented and result in appropriate action in consultation with a veterinarian or production advisor to remedy the problems. The health reporting system must at least include the following:
| ||||
Free-range hens move freely indoors in large pens with litter on the floor. The hens sand bathe on the floor and have access to perches at different heights and nest boxes to lay their eggs in. There is a difference between a single- and multi-storey system. Multi-storey systems have several shelves (floors), and the hens can choose at what height above the floor they want to be at different times. The hens often move throughout the system but seek higher ground when it is time for the night's rest.
Whole eggs and compound products with an egg content exceeding 20%.
- Whole fresh shell eggs, e.g., eggs in cartons sized S, M, L and XL.
- Cooked peeled eggs, e.g., vacuum-packed.
- Liquid egg products, e.g., egg yolk, egg white, whole eggs and scrambled eggs.
- Semi-finished products, e.g., pancakes.
- Egg powder.