Global Animal Partnership Step 5: Eggs
The GAP label program offers 6 levels of certification primarily for animal welfare. Animals are also not fed drugs on a routine basis at all levels. There is a big difference between GAP 1 and GAP 5+ levels. GAP 5 requires full-time pasture access and robust animal welfare practices.
Requires Verification/Inspection
FoodPrint Label Criteria
Animal Feed Quality
Produced without industrial pesticides
Synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge prohibited
Prohibits animal waste and byproduct
Restricts use of feed supplements
Prohibits GMOs
Drug Use
Antibiotics only for sick animals or prohibited
Prohibit hormones and other drugs to healthy animals
Environmental and Pasture Quality
Pasture management / rotational grazing plan required*
Synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge prohibited
Grown without industrial pesticides
Biodiversity required in pasture
Soil health monitored/measured for improvement over time
*Encouraged but not systematic
Animal Welfare and Living Conditions
Breed health requirements*
Minimum indoor space requirements
Natural light required
Standards for indoor ammonia levels
Outdoor access required
Pasture access required
Hygiene and manure management addressed
Physical alterations prohibited (debeaking, etc)
Welfare standards for slaughtering
Prohibits forced molting
Prohibits cages
Requires perches
Requires nest boxes
Dust bathing opportunities
*Encouraged but not required
Worker Welfare
Standards and protections for workers on farm
Standards and protections for workers in processing plants
Fair/living wages ensured
Health care insurance ensured
Food Label Glossary
For explanations of some of these technical terms, like “rotational grazing” or “sewage sludge fertilizers,” please visit our glossary.