Recent discussions surrounding Perdue Farms’ petition to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have drawn attention from both Capitol Hill and poultry producers. In response to Perdue’s request to establish distinct definitions for “free range” and “pasture-raised” labels on poultry products, several members of Congress and industry stakeholders have voiced their opinions.
A bipartisan group including Mark Alford (R-Mo.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Eric Crawford (R-Ark.), Jason Smith (R-Mo.), and James R. Baird (R-Ind.) have expressed support for Perdue Farms’ initiative in a letter addressed to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Their letter emphasizes the importance of soliciting input from various stakeholders to ensure the proposed regulations do not inadvertently favor or disadvantage any particular group.
Additionally, Leaping Bear Farm in Putney, Vt., has thrown its support behind Perdue’s petition. Vanessa Rose, representing the farm, highlighted concerns regarding the current understanding of “free range” practices, noting that many consumers are unaware of the limited outdoor access provided to chickens in conventional setups. Rose emphasized the necessity for clearer definitions to combat misleading marketing and consumer confusion.
To address these issues, farms like Leaping Bear are investing in innovative infrastructure, such as mobile setups, to grant chickens daily access to fresh pasture. This not only enhances the animals’ well-being but also improves the quality of the eggs and meat they produce. Rose’s advocacy underscores the urgency for the USDA to adopt stricter standards to ensure transparency and integrity in poultry labeling practices.
