Continuous Chilling of Split Poultry Portions

FSIS is amending the poultry products inspection regulations to specify that the continuous immersion chilling of the front or rear portions of transversely-split carcasses is permitted. The existing regulations permit the continuous chilling of whole carcasses or ``major portions,'' including front or rear portions, resulting from trimming or salvage. The final rule defines ``major portions'' to include the front or rear portions of transversely-split carcasses, without identifying the operation creating the portions. This change will afford flexibility to poultry establishments in adopting efficient production techniques, such as on-line carcass splitting, that meet food safety performance standards. This final rule is compatible with FSIS initiatives addressing fecal contamination and moisture absorption of raw poultry products.