BC Egg raises standards for free-range eggs

BC Egg has introduced new standards to British Columbia for farmers selling eggs under the label, 'free-range.'

Now, in order to be considered free-range, the hens must have access to quality outdoor range.

The standards state that hens must have access to the range for a minimum of 120 days per year.

One day consists of a minimum of six hours.

Farmers are required to document the number of days, as well as hours a day that hens have access to the outdoors.

The new system allows BC Egg to verify the number of days in the range through documentation.

“BC farmers have always given their free-range hens access to the outdoors on a regular basis; however, we did not have a verification system in place,” stated Katie Lowe, PAg, Executive Director of BC Egg. “These new standards mean that farmers have to document outdoor access and we will audit them to ensure they are meeting these basic standards.”

BC is the first province in Canada to set standards for free-range birds.

British Columbia is the first province in Canada to set standards for free-range eggs.

“We are very proud to be the first in Canada to set these standards and make them mandatory for all free-range farmers in BC,” stated Lowe.

BC Egg developed the new standards with the assistance of animal care specialists and farmers.

The standards also state that hens must be allowed outdoor access when the temperature is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.

“Our farmers want to provide the best possible care for their hens and they know these standards will help them do just that.”

A farmer can only restrict outside access with a letter of approval from a veterinarian stating why access was restricted.

One reason outdoor access could be restricted is due to illness in the flock that could be passed onto nearby farms with hens outside.

Another possible reason for restricting outdoor access is if BC’s Chief Veterinarian, Jane Pritchard, determines that the risk of a disease like Avian Influenza is too high, she may require that hens are kept inside.

At the range, hens must also have access to grass, free from debris and nothing that can attract wildlife (i.e. food dishes).

These standards were added to the existing standards outlined in the new Code of Practice of Care and Handling of Laying Hens.

The British Columbia Egg Marketing Board is a non-profit that represents 135 registered egg farmers across B.C.