[eryl]

Ok, can anyone tell me what the rules governing free range are please? I assume they are the same for egg and meat production. I have scoured the DEFRA website and all i can find is flannel. I dont want GUIDELINES or RECOMMENDATIONS -i want LAWS!

[Bywaters]

do you mean in normal times or during Flockdown ?

My understanding (fwitw) is that free range is "trades description" rather than it being covered by law (other than the Trades Description Act)

[Bywaters]

a quick google reveals this "AI Overview     Laws for free-range eggs in the UK originate from retained EU legislation, and include requirements for daytime outdoor access with vegetation, a minimum area per hen (\(4m^{2}\) per hen or \(1Ha\) per 2,500 hens), and specific indoor conditions for hens, such as perch and nest space. The current rules also allow for a 16-week derogation period during which eggs can still be labelled free-range if hens are temporarily housed due to disease outbreaks like avian flu. External range requirements Daytime access: Hens must have continuous daytime access to outdoor runs.Vegetation: The outdoor area must be mainly covered in vegetation.Space: A minimum of 1 hectare per 2,500 hens (about \(4m^{2}\) per hen) is required.Distance: The range area must not be more than 150m from the nearest pop-hole unless shelters are provided, which allows the range to extend to 350m.Access: Fencing or other restrictions must not prevent hens from accessing the range. "

hope that helps.

[eryl]

Thank you for this Bywaters - yes it does help. Have you a tag where i can find this written 'officially'?