A client asked me this question, so I went to the La Ionica website. From what I can tell so far, ALL chickens are vaccinated, although it doesn't spell that out inthe organic industry info, specifically, it just states that 'all chickens are vaccinated' the difference is in the feed, how they are raised and processed.
La Ionica chickens are not Free Range. They are free to roam around in substantial poultry houses with no restrictions for accessing water and feed. The Chickens are not in cages but are free to roam in large sheds. They are reared in the same way as all other Aussie chickens that are not free range. The only difference with La Ionica Chickens is the cleansing and processing which includes refrigerated air-drying chambers instead of chemicals. This results in chickens being processed chemically free but not raised chemical free. They are still vaccinated and given antibiotics when necessary.
Free-range chickens are allowed access to an outside run in which they can freely range outside their sheds during the day.
Organic chickens are fed on diets prepared from ingredients that are not treated with insecticides or pesticides. In addition, space allowances are higher, and only chickens that have not been given antibiotics at any stage during their life should be sold under the free range or the organic labels.
For more information, see Free Range Egg and Poultry Australia Ltd (FREPA) and the Organic Federation of Australia. Jenni Beasley. www.neuro-intelligence.com
Comments