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

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the poultry product 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. Raw poultry products whose internal temperature has ever been below 26 deg.F, but is above 0 deg.F, are not required to bear any specific, descriptive labeling terms, including ``hard chilled'' or ``previously hard chilled.'' These products may contain optional, descriptive labeling, provided the optional, descriptive labeling does not cause the raw poultry products to be misbranded. Products whose internal temperature has ever been at or below 0 deg.F will continue to be labeled with the term ``frozen.'' The rule also establishes a temperature tolerance below the 26 deg.F standard for labeling product as ``fresh.'' FSIS is taking this action in response to legislation enacted by the United States Congress directing FSIS to issue a revised final rule about the labeling of raw poultry products.