Use of the Term ``Fresh'' on the Labeling of Raw Poultry Products

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the Federal poultry products inspection regulations to prohibit the use of the term ``fresh'' on the labeling of raw poultry products whose internal temperature has ever been below 26 deg. F. This final rule requires that raw poultry products whose internal temperature has ever been below 26 deg. F, but above 0 deg. F, must be labeled with the descriptive term ``hard chilled.'' The word ``previously'' may be used with the term ``hard chilled'' on an optional basis. The rule also provides for the relabeling of raw poultry products. This action will help ensure that raw poultry products distributed to consumers are not labeled in a false or misleading manner.