USDA Organic Comparison
Learn how the USDA Organic standards compare to the BCC.
USDA Organic
USDA Organic does not meet BCC standards for stocking density, enrichments, litter, breed, lighting, or slaughter. Please see below for more details, or download the full chart.
| Better Chicken Commitment | USDA Organic | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Stocking Density | 6 lbs/sq ft | ❌
|
| Litter | At least 3 inches of friable litter covering the whole floor of the house, managed to maintain dry, friable condition and prevent caked or wet areas | ❌ No requirements for litter |
| Lighting | Minimum 8 hours of continuous light (≥50 lux) and 6 hours of continuous darkness daily (<1 lux) | ❌ No measurable light requirements |
| Enrichments | For every 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m), or part 1000 sq ft (93 sq m) of indoor space there must be a minimum of 1 enrichment | ❌ No requirements for enrichments |
| Slaughter | Process chickens in a manner that avoids pre-stun handling and instead utilizes a multi-step controlled- atmosphere processing system that induces an irreversible stun | ❌ No requirements for slaughter method |
| Breed | Adopt breeds that demonstrate higher welfare outcomes, either: Hubbard Norfolk Black, JA757, JACY57, JA787, JA957, JA987, JACY87, REDBRO, or Redbro M; Aviagen Rambler Ranger, Ranger Classic, Ranger Gold, Ranger Premium, or Rowan Ranger; Cobb-Sasso 200 (CS200); Cooks Venture Pioneer, or others that meet the criteria of the RSPCA Broiler Breed Welfare Assessment Protocol or Global Animal Partnership (GAP). | ❌ No requirements for higher welfare breeds |
| Auditing | Demonstrate 100% compliance with all standards via third-party auditing | ✅ 100% compliance with standards |
References
Please note: This document is not intended to be used for official purposes such as auditing. It is a general summary of the key components of the Better Chicken Commitment and USDA Organic standards. For the complete official standards, please reference the resources below:
- The Better Chicken Commitment policy
- Global Animal Partnership (GAP) standards referenced in the Better Chicken Commitment
- USDA Organic standards