Frequently Asked Questions: Poultry & Egg Certification

Why should I choose Food Alliance certification for poultry and/or eggs?

Food Alliance offers the only third-party certification for poultry and eggs that goes beyond animal welfare to address a comprehensive range of issues, including: animal feed, use of hormone and antibiotic treatments, labor conditions, and environmental concerns.

Wilcox Family Farms is one of the first companies to offer Food Alliance Certified poultry products. Andrew Wilcox, Director of Operations at Wilcox Farms, explains why they decided to become Food Alliance Certified:

“My family’s company has a long history of working to protect the environment and benefit our community.  Sustainability is a critical component of our business model. We look at certification as a way to be more transparent with our customers about how their food is produced. Food Alliance’s certification program is unique because they cover labor, animal welfare, and environmental issues. No other certification does all that. It really fits our values.”

Does Food Alliance allow the use of cages or require that birds have access to the outdoors?

Cages are prohibited and birds must have access to natural light and fresh air. This may be accomplished with outdoor access or open-sided buildings with adjustable curtains or other coverings. All birds must be maintained with normal daylight cycle, with a minimum of 8 hours of light per day. Supplemental light may be used for egg production. Clean, dry litter is required. Wire floors are prohibited. A minimum of 1.75 square feet is required for each egg laying hen, or 1.23 square feet for hens in houses with overhead perches.

Does Food Alliance allow the use of antibiotics or arsenicals? 

Non-therapeutic antibiotics and arsenicals are prohibited. Antibiotics may be used in the treatment of disease only.

Does Food Alliance allow the use of animal byproducts in feed?

No. Poultry raised under Food Alliance Certified standards are fed a 100% vegetarian diet. Milk products may be used. 

How does the certification process work?

• Learn more about the Food Alliance certification process for farms and ranches. 
• Learn more about the Food Alliance certification process for handling facilities and distributors. 

Where can I get a copy of the poultry & egg criteria?

You can download the poultry and egg criteria here (PDF).

Note: Criteria for pastured poultry coming soon!

How did Food Alliance develop the poultry and egg certification criteria?

Food Alliance worked with Dr. Jacquie Jacob, Poultry Extension Associate, University of Kentucky, to develop evaluation criteria and indicators for poultry production (meat & eggs).

The following individuals provided valuable commentary and input**:

• Andrew Carlson, Central Coast Fryer Farms, Inc.;
• Andrew Wilcox, Egg Operations, Wilcox Farms, Inc.;
• Anne Fanatico, MS, Program Specialist, ATTRA, National Center for Appropriate Technology;
• Dr. Brigid McCrea, Poultry Specialist, Assistant Professor, Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, Delaware State University;
• Dr. David Wallinga, MPA, Director of the Food and Health Program, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy;
• Steven Roach, MA, Public Health Program Director, Food Animal Concerns Trust;  and
• Various other poultry & egg producers, Food Alliance inspectors, and retailers.

**Not all reviewer comments and suggestions were incorporated in the final draft of the evaluation criteria. Recognition of their contribution does not constitute an endorsement.