What do the labels mean?

Indoor (intensive system)
This is the minimum voluntary welfare standard for chickens in the UK. Around 80% of all chicken is reared in this way. Densely packed in with little room to move around freely, these chickens suffer a number of welfare issues. The RSPCA believes these standards are unacceptably low.
 

• Fast growth rate
   
• Low light levels & insufficient periods of darkness
   
• Little room for birds to move around freely
   
• Susceptible to lameness and heart failure

Improved Indoor (Freedom Food)

Although also kept indoors, these chickens have more space to move around, and are provided with perches, and other items to help improve their environment and allow them to express natural behaviours. They have brighter lit conditions and are increasingly provided with natural light. Importantly they are slower growing breeds.
 

• Genetically slower growth rate 
   
• Brighter light levels and a longer period of darkness for rest
   
• More space to move – up to 15.2kg birds per m²
   
• Lower mortality rate

Free Range Chickens have continuous daytime access to outdoor areas and can be brought indoors at night to keep them safe. They are able to express natural behaviours like dust bathing and foraging for food.


Organic

As free range, but even slower growing and more time spent outdoors.
 

• Genetically slower growth rate
   
• Outdoor access and natural light
   
• Plenty of room
   
• A more varied environment to express natural behaviours