Free-range labelling guarantees outdoor access but not range quality, with range usage by birds depending heavily on vegetation, shelter, and stocking.
Free-range labelling can mislead consumers into believing birds have better welfare than they do. A free-range bird that never leaves the shed due to poor range design has welfare equivalent to an indoor bird. Range design - including shade cover, foraging substrate, and enrichment - is as important as range provision. Consumer-facing labelling that communicates range quality would better serve welfare goals.