Free-Range Certification

CDG provides Free Range Certification services in India. We are an ISO 17065 compliant certification body. Our certification mark is recognized worldwide.

What does free range mean?

• Fresh, pure water at all times• Nutritious, high quality feed that's free of antibiotics and growth hormones (ours also happens to be USDA Certified Organic)• Clean and spacious well-ventilated barns for laying, sleeping, socializing, and perching• Well-maintained green, grassy pasture during the daytime.

Free-range egg production is frequently referred to as an alternative system. The basic principle is simple. Birds have daytime access to a range, which is covered in vegetation. Free-draining soil with a healthy growth of grass is ideal.

How much space do free range hens have?So what about that last point?

Most consumers who are weighing free range versus pasture raised egg options have questions about the specific amount of space that the hens have. While the term "free range" is recognized and regulated by the USDA, there is no specific standard for space. This makes third-party certifiers like the one we use crucial, at least in our view. 

For CDG the requirement is 2 square feet of outdoor access on grass per hen.

What does pasture raised mean?

Don't get us wrong: pasture raised can be a responsible, highly beneficial way to raise hens. The problem with this label is that, like all labels (yes, even free range), it can be a bit deceptive. Unlike free range, the term "pasture raised" is not regulated by the USDA, making third-party certifications even more important when an egg carton says "pasture raised" anywhere on it.

How much space do pasture raised hens have?

Depending on which third-party certification (of lack thereof) a pasture raised egg producer has, they may advertise that they offer anywhere from 35 to 108 square feet per hen.

Free-range Requirement:• Birds must have access to an outdoor area for at least six hours each day.• Each hen must have at least 2 square feet (288 square inches) of outdoor space.• The outdoor space doesn't need to have any living vegetation.

3 Facts About Free-Range

1. Use of the term “free-range” is not strictly monitored.In order to be certified organic, farmers have to adhere to strict criteria that’s set by USDA. In order to stamp “free-range” on a carton of eggs, chickens simply need to have regular access to an outside area.

2. Free-range chickens don’t necessarily mean all-natural chickens.

The only way to ensure that your eggs are from an all-natural, antibiotic-free hen is to buy certified organic eggs, get to know your local farmers and how they raise their chickens, OR raise your own. It’s pretty simple.

3. True “free-range” chickens have a diverse diet and make better eggs.Chickens that are allowed to be outside for extended periods of time eat all kinds of things.

They’re scroungers, happy to gobble up bugs or table scraps in addition to their chicken feed.

CDG aims at providing independent, impartial, non-discriminatory assessment & certification via cost effective manner and accessible within defined and approved scope of certification.