Label Rouge Requirements

Genetics: Only certain genetics are allowed; older, slow-growing breeds that tend to be heartier and more disease resistant than commercial breeds. This makes them better suited for outdoor production.

Houses: Smaller chicken houses than those used in industrial production are required, and the number of houses per farms is limited to four. This assures the birds are grown by small farmers who give the birds more care and attention.

Maximum density in houses: There is a maximum density requirement that ensures these birds are allowed more room in the houses than industrial birds.

Access to outside: All birds must have access to the outdoors from 9 a.m. until dusk after 6 weeks of age, and must be outside for at least 42 days of grow-out.

Feed: Feed rations must consist of at least 75% cereal and must be non-medicated. Feed cannot contain animal products, growth stimulants, or other unnatural ingredients. Fishmeal is not permitted.

Medications: Although routine medications are not allowed, antibiotics and vaccines prescribed by a veterinarian are allowed when needed for the treatment of disease but are given with sufficient withdrawal times that there will be no residues in the birds when processed. Coccidiostats are permitted but must be withdrawn 5 days before slaughter for the same reason. Beak trimming is not allowed.

Slaughter age: Birds are grown much longer than commercial birds, a minimum of 81 days, some farmers go as long as 100 or more days.

Minimum dressed weight: All birds must be at least 2.2 lbs without giblets.

Sanitation period: There is a minimum sanitation period of 21 days between flocks to rid the houses of any parasites or disease.

Transport: To ensure that the birds are not dehydrated and are handled humanely, they must travel no more than 2 hours or 64 miles to the processing plant.

Processing: Air chilled.

Shelf life: Sold fresh within 9 days after slaughter.

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