Defra updates Free-Range poultry rules
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced changes to the regulations governing the labelling of free-range poultry meat during avian influenza outbreaks. Under current legislation, poultry must be reclassified as "barn-reared" if housing measures extend beyond 12 weeks. However, forthcoming amendments to England’s Poultry Meat Marketing Standards Regulation will remove this time restriction, thereby permitting products to retain their free-range designation for the full duration of any mandatory housing period.
This regulatory adjustment addresses the challenges posed by recent avian influenza outbreaks, many of which have exceeded the previous 12-week threshold. At present, a poultry housing order remains in effect across much of England and the entirety of Northern Ireland. The legislative change will be implemented in England through a Statutory Instrument, with Scotland indicating plans to enact corresponding legislation.
