Food Safety 
And Inspection 
Service 
Office of Policy, Program and 
Employee Development 
August 2005 
Food Standards and Labeling 
Policy Book 
Revised for Web Publication August 2005 
Replaces Publication Dated May 2003 and Removal of Publication Dated 1996  
 
 
 
               
              
              
               
               
            
 
 
              
                 
               
 
 
            PREFACE 
The Policy Book is intended to be guidance to help manufacturers and prepare product labels that 
are truthful and not misleading. Compliance with the requirements set forth in this publication 
does not, in itself, guarantee an authorization. On receipt of the label application, consideration 
will be given to suitability of ingredients statements, preparation, and packaging so as not to 
mislead the consumer. Adherence to the product and label requirements in this Policy Book does 
not necessarily guarantee against possible infringement of all related patents, trademarks or 
copyrights. 
Changes in this publication are to add new entries, correct errors, condense material, and 
reformat the entries for ease in reading and use. There will be updates of the publication to 
conform to changes in meat and poultry inspection standards and to reflect any current policy 
developments. Errors found in this issue should be reported through channels to your district office.  
 
                 
             
                
                
  
 
   
 
                
             
                 
       
 
  
 
              
               
    
        
   
     
    
    
    
 
              
               
  
 
     
    
    
    INTRODUCTION 
This Policy Book is assembled in dictionary form and may be used in conjunction with the Meat 
and Poultry Inspection Regulations and the Meat and Poultry Inspection Manual, Directives and 
Notices. It is a composite of policy and day-to-day labeling decision, many of which do not 
appear in the above publications. They are subject to change and therefore a periodic updating of 
this book will take place. 
Note: Red Meat 
Required percentages of meat required for red meat products are shown on the basis of fresh 
uncooked weight unless otherwise indicated. For purposes of this Policy Book, whenever the 
terms beef, pork, lamb, mutton, or veal are used they indicate the use of skeletal muscle tissue 
from the named species (9 CFR 301.2). 
Note: Poultry 
Required percentages for poultry products are based on a cooked deboned basis unless otherwise 
stated. When the standards indicate “poultry”, the skin and fat are not to exceed natural 
proportions per (9 CFR 381.117(d)). 
Applications for label approval should be addressed as follows: 
USDA, FSIS, OPPED 
Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff (LCPS) 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW 
Room 614 – Annex Building 
Washington, DC 20250 -3700 
Product samples (only when requested by LCPS) should be packed with sufficient refrigerant to 
last until received. Shipping should be coordinated with requestor to assure delivery before 4:00 
p.m. Friday. 
Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW 
Room 614 – Annex Building 
Washington, DC 20250 -3700      
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
   
 
     
   
   
 
     
      
        
           
      
           
  
   
          
  
   
   
      
  
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
   
  
 
 UPDATED ENTRIES SINCE LAST PUBLICATION AUGUST 2005 
CORRECTIONS: 
Aged 
Aged Beef Artificially 
Colored Products Bratwurst 
Bratwurst, Cured 
Buffalo Style 
Cereal 
Chili Sauce with Meat 
Chorizo, Fresh 
Egg Roll with Meat Egg 
Roll with Poultry 
Enzymes – Proteolytic 
Fajitas Giblets and/or Necks Sold with Carcasses 
Kiska, Kisba, Kishka, or Stuffed Derma 
Labeling of Boneless Beef, Ham or Poultry Products 
Labeling of Modified Breakfast Sausage, Cooked Sausage, and Fermented Sausage Products 
Identified by a Nutrient Content Claim 
Labeling of Modified Substitute Versions of Fresh (Species) Sausage, Hamburger or Ground 
Beef Products 
Pasty (Cornish Style) 
Pizza Burger Pizza Sauce with Sausage 
Pizza Topping Containing Sausage Pizza 
Topping Mix 
Poultry Meat, Raw 
Protective Coverings (Meat) 
Serving Suggestion, Serve as Suggested and Similar Phrases 
Solutions i n Red Meat Products 
Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) Products- Fresh Meat or Poultry Meat Ratios 
Yeast 
DELETIONS: 
Added Solutions (Poultry) (Boneless) 
Chicken Tocino Dipped Steaks Ham, Smithfield 
Jambalaya – 6/4/19 
Marinated 
Methyl Cellulose 
Pizza, Combination or Deluxe 
Poultry Roast Select or Higher  
 
 
    
     
      
   
 
 
    
   
 
          
     
 
 
 
 
           
     
 
     
 
 
       
    
  
 
 
       
          
  
   
      
 
 
   
 
  
 
     
 
 
 
 
           
           
 
     
          REVISIONS: 
Amenability 
Approximate Artificial Marbling -Red Meat Products 
Barbecue Meat or Poultry “Eastern North Caroline Style” – Renamed Barbecue Meat or 
Poultry “Eastern North Carolina Style” 
Beef a La Mode 
Caddies Cheese Cheese Products Containing Meat 
Chicken Cordon Bleu 
Chinese Style Barbecue Meat Cooked Red Meat Products Containing Added Substances – Renamed Cooked Red Meat 
Products Containing Added Solutions 
Dry Salt Cured Fabricated Steak Fajitas 
For Further Processing 
Fresh, “Not Frozen” and Similar Terms When Labeling Meat and Poultry Products 
Glazes – Renamed Ice Glazes with Flavor 
Grade Marks Halal and Zabiah Halal Kosher 
Hearts/Heart Meat Jerk or Jerk Style Labeling of Products Containing Meat with Added Solutions or Other Nonmeat Ingredients In 
Secondary Products 
Natural Claims 
Papain Pizza Pizza Chicago Style 
Pizza Containing Cheese Substitutes 
Potato Sausage, Swedish Style, or Potato Ring or Potato Pudding 
Poultry Grading (Labeling) Poultry, Raw Solution – Renamed Poultry, Raw with Added Solution Pressure Sensitive Stickers and Indelible Ink 
Product Name Qualifiers Rolls Teriyaki, Meat or Poultry – Renamed Teriyaki, Meat or Poultry (Cooked) 
Teriyaki Products Tocino (Filipino or Philippine Style Tocino, Poultry Water Base Solutions in Red meat In Meat Products Weisswurst 
DEFINITIONS: 
Corrections : Previous entries that were inadvertently removed from last publication have been 
added back in, or typographical errors which have been corrected, and/or regulatory cites 
corrected 
Deletions: Entries which have been removed 
Revisions : Previous entries which have been revised to reflect current agency policy  
 
 
 
   
    
    
     
     
  
      
   
     
   
    
  
      
   
   
      
    
    
        
      
     
     
      
    
    
   
    
  
   
      
    
      
   ABBREVIATIONS 
AMS Agriculture Marketing Service 
BHA Butylated Hydroxyanisole (anti-oxidant) 
BHT Butylated Hydroxytolune (anti-oxidant) 
CRDSM Calcium Reduced Dry Skim Milk 
FDA Food and Drug Administration 
FR French 
FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service 
FTC Federal Trade Commission 
GRAS Generally Recognized as Safe 
HVP Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein 
IMPS Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications 
IT Italian 
LCPS Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff 
MPR Moisture Protein Ratio 
MSG Monosodium Glutamate 
NAMP National Association of Meat Purveyors 
NFDM Nonfat Dry Milk 
NOP National Organic Program 
OPPED Office of Policy Program and Employee Development 
PDBFT Partially Defatted Beef Fatty Tissue 
PDCB Partially Defatted Chopped Beef 
PDCP Partially Defatted Chopped Poultry 
PDPFT Partially Defatted Pork Fatty Tissue 
PER Protein Efficiency Ratio 
PFF Protein Fat Free 
pH Measure of Acidity 
PPM Parts Per Million 
SP Spanish 
TVP Textured Vegetable Protein 
URMIS Uniform Retail Meat Identity Standards 
USA United States of America 
USDA United States Department of Agriculture 
VPP Vegetable Protein Product    
 
                 
               
              
 
 
 
 
                
              
          
         
    
  
 
           
          
            
               
                
          
          
 
       
 
     
 
                 
              
                
            ADDED SOLUTIONS (WITH JUICES): 
Products with added solutions that are cooked in an impervious bag and as a result of the 
cooking contain free flowing juices that are not drained, should be labeled to reflect the 
solution and the juices, e.g., (“Roast Beef Contains up to 12 percent solution with 
Juices”). 
AGED: 
Aging is the process by which fresh beef (carcasses or cuts) are held in a controlled 
environment for a specified period of time of slaughter, to allow enzymatic activity t 
degrade complex proteins and promote the development of flavor and tenderness. 
The term “Aged” on a label must be qualified, e.g., “Aged 65 days.” 
See: Dry Aged 
AGED BEEF: 
The beef products (carcass or cuts) are maintained in a fresh unfrozen state for a 
minimum of 14 days from the day of slaughter. Aging claims made within the supply 
chain (e.g., prior to the point of sale at retail or food service) shall specify the minimum 
number of days aged and the type of aging used on the principal display panel on the label 
(e.g., “Wet aged for a minimum of days.”). If an aging claim is made at the point of 
sale to the consumer, the minimum claimed for aging shall appear on the principal display 
panel of the label (e.g., “Aged for a minimum of a minimum of days.”). 
For additional information refer to USDA, AMS, Standardization Branch 
“ALL”, “PURE”, AND “100 PERCENT” POULTRY: 
A labeling claim, such as, “meat used is 100 percent white meat”, may only be used when 
the poultry meat contains no added ingredients. A labeling claim, such as, “white meat 
only,” is acceptable when white meat is used to the exclusion of dark meat. In this 
situation, other ingredients may be present in the poultry portion of the product.       
 
              
            
            
               
       
 
  
 
                
            
 
 
 
           
       
         
           
            
           
             
                
             
           
              
           
          
          
          
        
        
 
 
          
            
         
          
          
             
           
            
            
              
         
 
 
 
   “ALL or 100 PERCENT BEEF (Patty Mix)”: 
Beef patty mix may be labeled “all,” “pure,” or “100 percent beef,” when the only added 
ingredients are partially defatted chopped beef or finely textured beef. An ingredients 
statement would be required on bulk packed product but not retail packages. “All,” 
“Pure,” or “100 percent,” may not be used if partially defatted beef fatty tissue (PDBFT), 
is used or mechanically separated species (MSS), are used. 
ALPHA CELLULOSE: 
When used as a carrier of flavoring ingredients, it need not be shown in the ingredients 
statement, unless it functions as a binder in the meat or poultry product. 
AMENABILITY: 
The Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), 
and their implementing regulations, provide for certain exemptions from USDA 
jurisdiction (and, therefore, inspection), e.g., products prepared for human consumption 
that contain meat or poultry ingredients in relatively small proportions, or are not 
considered by consumers to be products of the meat or poultry industry. Generally, the 
USDA has determined by policy that the “relatively small proportions” of livestock 
ingredients are: 3 percent or less raw meat; less than 2 percent cooked meat or other 
portions of the carcass; or 30 percent or less fat, tallow or meat extract, alone or in 
combination. In the case of poultry, the “relatively small proportions” are: less than 2 
percent cooked poultry meat; less than 10  percent cooked poultry skins, giblets or fat, 
separately; or less than 10 percent cooked poultry skins, giblets, fat and poultry meat 
(limited to less than 2 percent) in any combination (refer to 9 CFR Part 381.15(a)). For 
dried products containing poultry, these percentages are computed on the basis of the 
moist cooked chicken in the ready to serve product when prepared according to the 
directions on the consu mer package. Regarding the second exemption criterion, the 
USDA has determined the application of the “historical perception” criterion to food 
products containing meat or poultry on a case-by-case basis. 
Some products that are exempted from USDA jurisdiction based on the criteria above 
include stocks or broths prepared with “relatively small amounts” of meat or poultry, 
bouillon cubes, dehydrated meat soups, cheese balls with pepperoni, pork and beans, 
closed -face sandwiches, mince meat, bagel dogs, and pepperoni rolls. A condition for 
the application of these exemptions is that product exempt from USDA jurisdiction must 
still be prepared with USDA inspected meat or poultry product or meat or poultry from an 
inspection system equivalent to the USDA inspection system. In addition, generally, any 
product exempted from USDA jurisdiction cannot be represented as a meat food or 
poultry product, except as provided in the meat or poultry regulations. A product is 
deemed as representing a meat food or poultry product if a term representing meat or 
poultry is used on labeling, e.g., in the product name, without appropriate qualification.   
 
              
               
              
              
 
 
 
 
                
             
             
           
 
 
 
  
   
    
   
  
 
   
 
               
               
    
 
     
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  ANDOUILLE (FR): 
Made with pork and/or pork byproducts stuffed into large intestines. Product can be sold 
cooked or uncooked. Andouille is a coined name and must be accompanied by a true 
product name, e.g., “sausage” or “pudding” depending on formulation. If beef is used, it 
must be shown in the product name, e.g., “Beef Andouille Sausage” or “Beef Andouille 
Pudding.” 
ANTIOXIDANTS : 
BHA and BHT are permitted in spice mixtures at 0.02 percent of the essential oil content 
without declaration on meat or poultry food product labels. Antioxidants are permitted in 
cooked fresh sausages and fresh sausage -like products (e.g., a pork, water soy protein 
product). BHA and BHT are not permitted in non -specific meat or poultry products. 
APPROXIMATE: 
The word “approximate” may be used to describe the thickness of bacon and the number of 
pieces in an institutional package when the actual net weight is declared (for example, 18 -
21 pieces). “Approximately” is acceptable in a descriptive designation for meat and poultry 
products (for example, “Containing approximately 6% of a solution of...” or “Marinated with approximately 3% solution of...”).  The word “approximate” cannot be used in conjunction with the serving size or the required declaration of net weight of contents. 
ARROZ CON POLLO (SP): 
The product must contain at least 15 percent cooked chicken meat. The label must show, 
the true product name, in English, i.e., “Rice with Chicken,” except if the product is 
distributed solely in Puerto Rico. 
ARTIFICIAL MARBLING -RED MEAT PRODUCTS: 
Fats and oils, for example, butter, margarine, vegetable oils. etc., may be added to red meat products, for example, roast beef and steaks.  However, the presence of such substances must be indicated as part of the product name, as a product name qualifier, or in a solution 
statement, for example, “Roast Beef and Margarine Product,” “Vegetable Oil Added,” 
“Containing 10% of a solution of milk,...” All applicable regulations and policies should be followed for these products.  In addition, products that appear to be of a higher quality must include a statement to indicate this, for example, “Injected with Beef Fat” or “Product may appear to be of a higher quality than the actual grade.”  Samples may be necessary to determine if this requirement applies.  
 
             
              
             
              
              
            
             
               
               
              
               
               
  
 
      
     
     
 
    
 
        
 
  
 
                       
 
        
       
                       
 
             
   
 
       
 
               
           ARTIFICIALLY COLORED PRODUCTS: 
Labels of products which are artificially colored either by artificial colors or natural 
colors must bear a statement to indicate the presence of the coloring, e.g., “artificially 
colored” or “colored with annatto.” Products whose true color is disguised by packing 
media, e.g., colored pickling solutions, must also have labels that include a statement that 
indicates the presence of the color. The statement must appear in a prominent and 
conspicuous manner contiguous to the product name. When a component within a 
product is artificially colored, e.g., breading, sauce, and sausage, a qualifying statement is 
not necessary. However, in all cases, the presence of the coloring must appear in the 
ingredients statement. Whenever FD&C Yellow No. 5 is used, it must be declared in the 
ingredients statement by FD&C Yellow No. 5 or Yellow 5. Some products, e.g., chorizos 
and some of the sausages of the longaniza variety, are expected to be characterized by 
coloring. In these situations, the presence of the coloring need only be indicated in the 
ingredients statement. 
See: Policy Memo 112 on caramel coloring 
Policy Memo 095 on colored casings 
Policy Memo 113 dated June 24, 1988 
AU GRATIN POTATOES AND BACON: 
At least 8 percent fully cooked bacon (based on 40 percent yield). 
BABY FOOD: 
High Meat Dinner - At least 26 percent meat. 
High Meat Poultry Dinner -At least 18.75 percent cooked poultry meat, skin, fat and 
giblets. 
Meat and Broth -At least 61 percent meat. 
Vegetable with Meat -At least 8 percent meat. 
Poultry with Broth -At least 43 percent cooked poultry meat, skin, and giblets. 
Poultry and Rice - At least 5 percent cooked deboned poultry meat. 
Note: Wine, Mechanically Separated Species, nitrites, and nitrates are not acceptable in 
baby and toddler foods. 
BABY FOOD WITH FRESH HAM OR BACON: 
Ham or bacon without nitrates or nitrites must be shown in the ingredients statement as 
ham or bacon (water, salt, sugar, etc., without nitrates or nitrites).  
 
                 
                
    
 
       
   
 
   
 
              
     
 
    
 
              
              
               
               
              
                
             
                  
               
                
               
              
  
 
   
 
       
 
  
 
            
 
 
             
 
          BACON: 
The term “bacon” is used to describe the cured belly of a swine carcass. If meat from 
other portions of the carcass is used, the product name must be qualified to identify the 
portions, e.g., “Pork Shoulder Bacon.” 
“Certified” refers to products that have been treated for trichinae. 
See: 9 CFR 318.10 
BACON AND PORK SAUSAGE: 
Product is formulated with a high percentage of bacon (usually bacon ends and pieces) 
with at least 20 percent pork. 
BACON ARKANSAS AND ARKANSAS STYLE BACON: 
Product which is identified as Arkansas Bacon or Arkansas Style Bacon is produced from 
the pork shoulder blade Boston roast. The pork shoulder blade Boston roast includes the 
porcine muscle, fat and bone, cut interior of the second or third thoracic vertebrae, and 
posterior of the atlas joint (first cervical vertebrae), and dorsal of the center of the 
humerus bone. For Arkansas Bacon, the neck bones and rib bones are removed by 
cutting close to the underside of those bones. The blade bone (scapula) and the dorsal fat 
covering, including the skin (clear plate), are removed, leaving no more than one-quarter 
inch of the fat covering the roast. The meat is then dry cured with salt, sugar, nitrites, and 
spices, and smoked with natural smoke. The meat may not be injected or soaked in 
curing brine, nor may any artificial or liquid smoke be applied to the meat. Product that 
is prepared outside the state of Arkansas but in the manner prescribed may be identified 
as “Arkansas Style Bacon.” The true product name must be shown as “Boneless Cured 
Pork Shoulder Butt.” 
BACON (Canned - Pasteurized): 
A shelf stable item, which must have at least 7 percent brine concentration. 
BACON (Canned, Prefried): 
In “Canned Prefried Bacon,” e.g., “Bacon Crumbles,” the following criteria should be 
applied: 
1. M/SP Index of 0.4 or more. M/SP = Moisture/ (Salt x Protein) 
2. A Brine Ratio of 9.0 or less. Brine Ratio = Moisture/Salt               
 
 
   
 
 
 
                
               
               
                
  
 
   
 
       
 
  
 
            
              
              
     
 
                
              
              
         
 
             
             
                  
                
        
 
      
       
 
 
             
            
                
    3. A Brine concentration of 10 percent or more. Brine concentration = Salt/(Moisture + 
Salt) 
4. Maximum 40 percent yield 
BACON (Cooked): 
Not to yield more than 40 percent bacon - 60 percent shrink required. BHA and BHT 
may be used as antioxidants in precooked bacon at level of 0.01 percent individually or 
0.02 percent collectively, based on fat content. TBHQ can be used in products as an 
antioxidant in combination with BHT and BHA; but it can not be used alone except in 
cooked bacon. 
BACON DRESSING FOR STUFFING: 
The product must contain at least 8 percent bacon. 
BACON- LIKE PRODUCTS: 
Bacon -like products, including poultry bacon, labeled with “bacon” in the name must 
follow the same requirements as those applied to pork bacon. These requirements 
include, but are not limited to, limits on restricted ingredients and the requirement that the 
bacon must return to green weight. 
Beef bacon is a cured and smoked beef product sliced to simulate regular bacon. It is 
prepared from various beef cuts and offered with a variety of coined names, including 
“Breakfast Beef,” “Beef Bacon,” etc. A common or usual name is required, e.g., “Cured 
and Smoked Beef Plate,” and should be shown contiguous to the coined name. 
Poultry bacon products are acceptable and may be designated as (Kind) Bacon. However, 
a true descriptive name must appear contiguous to (Kind) Bacon without intervening type 
or design, in letters at least one-half the size of the letters used in the (Kind) Bacon, and 
in the same style and color and on the same background. An example of an acceptable 
designation is “Turkey Bacon -Cured Turkey Breast Meat -Chopped and Formed.” 
The descriptive name can serve alone as the product name. 
See: Policy Memo 106A dated December 17, 1991 
BACON PRODUCTS: 
The bacon products intended for further cooking before consumption, i.e., slab bacon for 
deli slicing, can be labeled “certified,” “roasted” or “partially cooked” provided the 
product is cooked to 148° F and the labeling clearly indicated the product is intended to 
be further cooked before consumption.  
 
              
               
          
 
   
 
             
               
              
              
      
 
              
               
               
               
                 
              
             
            
              
                
            
 
 
        
 
               
             
            
            
                
             
               
             
     
 
              
               
                
               
                
 BANGERS: 
A sausage -like product prepared with meat and varying amounts of rusk or other cereals. 
The label must show percentage of rusk (or other cereal) adjacent to product name in 
prominent lettering. May be labeled British, Scottish or Irish Style. 
BARBECUE (BBQ), PRODUCTS: 
Barbecue (BBQ), products that are composed of uncured red meat products that are 
injected, massaged, tumbled, etc., and which are cooked back to or below the weight of 
the raw meat product (green weight), must use the term “seasoned” or “flavored,” in 
conjunction with the meat product in the product name, e.g., “BBQ Seasoned Pork,” or 
“Sliced Seasoned Beef with Barbecue Sauce.” 
The labeling for uncured red meat products containing some solutions that are used to 
make BBQ products (9 CFR 319.312 or 319.80) which are not cooked back to green 
weight or are not in compliance with the cooking yield must have a containing statement 
on the label. A containing statement is required in the product name when the cooking 
yield is not met, e.g., “BBQ Pork Containing up to 15 percent of a solution.” Similarly, a 
containing statement is required in the product name when the product does not have 
sufficient quantities of meat minus the solution to meet the minimum meat requirement. 
However, in limited situations when the minimum meat requirement (minus the solution) 
is met and when cook yield is compensated for by adding additional meat, the containing 
statement can either be placed in the product name or attached to the meat component in 
the ingredients statement, e.g., “Ingredients: Beef Containing up to 25 percent …sugar, 
spices.” 
Also, see Policy Memo 84A and Policy Memo 102. 
Red meat components that contain binders and extenders and do not meet one of the 
barbecue standards (9 CFR 319.80, 319.312) shall be descriptively labeled to include the 
extender, nomenclature in the product name, e.g., “BBQ Seasoned Beef, Modified Food 
Starch and Gelatinized Wheat Starch”, “Pork and Binder Product with Barbecue Sauce”, 
or “BBQ Cooked Beef and Binder Product” followed by a parenthetical list of all of its 
ingredients. Bone- in red meat products do not have to comply with Federal meat 
regulation, 9 CFR 319.312 or 319.80 with regard to cooking yield and must indicate the 
presence of bones in product name, e.g., “Seasoned Cooked Pork Ribs with Barbecue 
Sauce” or “Barbecue Beef Ribs.” 
When bone- in red meat products are injected, massaged, tumbled, etc., and do not return 
to green weight after cooking, the containing statement shall appear once on the label in 
(1) the ingredients statement as part of the red meat component (only if there is enough 
Beef Ribs without solution to meet the requirement for “Beef Ribs and BBQ Sauce”), or 
(2) in the product name, e.g., “Beef Ribs, containing 10 percent of a solution and BBQ 
Sauce.”    
 
              
          
 
        
 
 
  
  
 
    
 
               
           
 
    
 
                
                 
      
 
    
 
        
 
    
 
         
            
        
 
    
 
              
    
 
    
 
                
   
 
  
 
       
 
  BARBECUE (Infrared Cooked): 
The label must indicate heat source, e.g., “infrared cooked,” with lettering no less than 
one-half the size of the largest letter in the word “barbecue.” 
BARBECUE MEAT OR POULTRY “EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA STYLE”: 
Acceptable identification for barbecued meat (9 CFR 319.80) or barbecued poultry (9 CFR 
381.164 or 381.165) product that is flavored with a vinegar based solution using apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.  The solution is seasoned with pepper, that is, black pepper, red pepper, or cayenne pepper.  Other ingredients may include salt, sugar and hot pepper sauce. 
BARBECUE SAUCE WITH CHICKEN: 
The product must contain at least 15 percent cooked chicken meat. Changing the size of 
the term “Chicken” does not change the 15 percent cooked chicken meat requirement. 
BARBECUE SAUCE WITH MEAT: 
The product must contain at least 35 percent cooked meat. When the name of the product 
shows meat in smaller letters, not more than one-half the size of the largest letter in the 
product name, 25 percent cooked meat is required. 
BEEF A LA KING: 
The product must contain at least 20 percent cooked beef. 
BEEF A LA MODE: 
A product consisting of sliced cooked beef (that is marinated in wine, cognac, vegetable 
stock) with carrots, onions, and other ingredients covered with wine sauce. The product 
must contain at least 50 percent cooked beef. 
BEEF ALMONDINE WITH VEGETABLES: 
The product must contain at least 18 percent cooked meat on the ready -to-serve basis. 
The product must contain almonds. 
BEEF AND DUMPLINGS WITH GRAVY: 
The product must contain at least 25 percent meat and not more than 25 percent water 
blanched dry dumplings. 
BEEF AND GRAVY: 
The product contains at least 50 percent cooked beef.   
 
              
           
 
   
 
                
              
  
 
   
 
     
 
    
 
             
            
             
        
 
    
 
               
       
 
            
            
 
 
                
    
 
                 
               
            
                  
  
 
               
            
             BEEF BLOOD: 
This is an acceptable ingredient for beef patties provided the product name is qualified, 
such as “Beef and Blood Patties” or “Beef Patties with Blood.” 
BEEF BLOOD GLAZE: 
A coating of beef blood is permitted on cured products (e.g., ham, hamette, etc.) if the 
product name is prominently qualified to reflect the coating. Nitrite is not permitted in 
the glaze. 
BEEF BRISKET (Canned): 
The minimum brine concentration required is 5.5 percent. 
BEEF BURGUNDY OR BOURGUIGNONNE: 
The product must contain at least 50 percent beef. Product contains beef cubes, 
mushrooms, onions, and red wine or burgundy gravy. May include other vegetables, e.g., 
carrots, shallots, tomato paste, or potatoes. Other acceptable names include “Beouf A La 
Bourguignonne,” “Beef Burgundy Style,” “Beef Burgundy,” and “Burgundy Beef.” 
BEEF BURGUNDY WITH NOODLES : 
The product must contain at least 50 percent beef in the beef burgundy portion. Total 
product should not contain more than 50 percent cooked noodles. 
BEEF CHEEK MEAT AND BEEF HEAD MEAT AND PORK CHEEK MEAT AND 
PORK HEAD MEAT (USE AND LABELING AS AN INGREDIENT IN MEAT FOOD 
PRODUCTS): 
Beef cheek meat and pork cheek meat refers to beef and pork cheeks from which the 
glandular material has been removed. 
Beef head meat and pork head meat refer to muscle tissue remaining on the beef and hog 
skull after removal of the skin, cheeks, tongue, and lips. The meat normally attached to 
and considered as part of the tongue trimmings when detached from the tongue trimmings 
may also be included as beef head meat or pork head meat although it can be labeled as 
“beef” or “pork.” 
When beef cheek meat and/or beef head meat are included in boneless beef, its presence 
must be specifically declared. Examples include: “Boneless Beef - Contains Beef Cheek 
Meat and Beef Head Meat,” “Boneless Beef Head Meat,” “Boneless Beef -Ingredients:                
     
 
              
             
            
          
         
    
 
                
              
             
              
   
 
         
 
   
 
              
            
                
                  
  
 
  
 
                
    
 
                
          
     
 
     
 
                
                
              
   
 
  
 
               
          Beef, Beef Head Meat, Beef Cheek Meat,” or “Boneless Beef - 20 percent Beef Head 
Meat, 15 percent Beef Cheek Meat.” 
Beef cheek meat and/or beef head meat may be used in unlimited quantities and identified 
as “beef” in meat food products unless restricted by regulatory standards for specific 
products as indicated in 9 CFR 319.15(a) (Chopped beef, ground beef), 319.15(b) 
(Hamburger), 319.15(d) (Fabricated steak), 319.81 (Roast Beef parboiled and steam 
roasted), 319.100 (Corned beef), 319.300 (Chili con carne), 319.301 (Chili con carne with 
beans), and 319.303 (Corned beef hash). 
The presence of pork head meat is not required to be identified on the labeling of 
boneless pork. However, pork cheek meat and/or pork head meat may be used in 
unlimited quantities and identified as “pork” in meat food products, unless restricted by 
regulatory standards as indicated in 9 CFR 319.300 (Chili con carne) and 319.301 (Chili 
con carne with beans). 
See: Policy Memo 098B dated August 1, 1990 - Cheek Meat 
BEEF CONCENTRATE AND SALT: 
Broth derived from cooking fresh beef containing 3 percent to 4 percent solids is 
centrifuged and evaporated to approximately 60 percent solids under vacuum. The water 
fraction is salted to a level of 25.5 percent of the water weight (100 lbs. concentrated 
stock at 60 percent will have 10.2 lbs. of salt added, making a total weight of 110.2 lbs.). 
There is no need for refrigeration. 
BEEF CONSOMME: 
The standard requires beef as an ingredient and a minimum protein content of at least 3 
percent in the finished product. 
“Beef stock” or “beef broth” (or mixture of both) may be used to comprise the beef 
ingredient. Additional optional ingredients are gelatin, beef extract, tomato puree, 
hydrolyzed plant protein, and seasoning. 
BEEF (Dried or Air Dried): 
Product name is “Air Dried Beef” or “Dried Beef.” MPR 2.04:1. It is usually cured by 
rub and/or stitch pump followed by cover pickle for 4 to 8 weeks with several overhauls 
(turned over for the application of additional cure), then placed in smokehouse or drying 
chambers for 3 to 10 days. 
BEEF FIBRIN: 
This is a component mixture of beef fibrinogen and beef thrombin plasma protein used to 
bind pieces of meat or poultry together. It is limited to 10 percent.                 
        
           
      
 
                
           
             
           
              
            
             
          
          
 
   
 
        
 
  
 
              
                
 
 
     
 
               
          
 
  
 
                
      
 
   
 
        
 
  
 
                
            
         1. If used from seven percent of ten percent, it must appear in the product name, 
e.g., “Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin Steak Formed with Beef Fibrinogen and 
Thrombin.” Therefore, the smallest letter in the product name must be at least 1/3 
size of the smallest letter in the product name. 
2. If used at less than seven percent, it must be a product name qualifier, e.g., 
“Formed with Beef Fibrinogen and Thrombin.” As a product name qualifier, 
there is no size requirement, however, it must contiguous to the product name 
and be prominent and conspicuous. Additionally, the terms “Beef Fibrin” or 
“Fibrin” may be used in the product name as a qualifier and its components 
identified elsewhere on the principal display panel. In this situation, the terms 
“Beef Fibrin” or “Fibrin” and its components are linked to each other by 
means of asterisks. Acceptable terminology’s for the components are “Beef 
Fibrinogen and Thrombin Plasma Protein,” or “Beef Fibrinogen and Thrombin.” 
BEEF GRAVY MIX: 
The product must contain at least 15 percent dried beef. 
BEEF MARSALA: 
The product must contain at least 50 percent beef. Product contains beef cubes, Marsala 
wine sauce, and usually mushrooms and onions. White wine may be used, but it may not 
replace Marsala wine. 
BEEF ORIENTAL OR ORIENTAL BEEF: 
The product must contain at least 12 percent meat and oriental style vegetables and sauce. 
The label must show true product name, e.g., “Beef Oriental with Vegetables.” 
BEEF ROULADE: 
The product must contain at least 50 percent cooked meat. Usually a thin strip of flank 
meat wrapped around vegetables and cooked. 
BEEF SLICES A-LA-PIZZAIOLA: 
The product must contain at least 50 percent cooked beef. 
BEEF STROGANOFF: 
A dish with a creamy sauce prepared with beef cut into narrow strips or cubes and 
sautéed. Product labeled “Beef Stroganoff” should be prepared with a formula, which 
includes at least 45 percent beef, or 30 percent cooked beef.          
        
         
 
    
 
              
      
 
  
 
               
                
            
            
         
 
   
 
               
     
 
                
                 
      
 
               
              
         
             
   
 
  
 
                   
                
          
 
             
           
     
 
  
 
             
    1. The product must contain at least 10 percent sour cream, or 
2. 7.5 percent sour cream, and 5 percent wine, or 
3. 9.5 percent whole milk, 2 percent sour cream, and 2 1/2 percent wine. 
BEEF STROGANOFF WITH NOODLES: 
Meat and sauce portion must meet the standard for Beef Stroganoff. Total product shall 
contain no more than 50 percent cooked noodles. 
BEEF SUKIYAKI : 
The product must contain at least 30 percent meat based on total product. Consists of 
thinly sliced beef and various vegetables cooked in a flavored beef stock. This is not a 
stew as the vegetables and components are mixed during the cooking process. 
Vegetables used with this food are celery, bean sprouts, leeks, onions, mushrooms, 
Chinese cabbage, carrots, spinach, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and bean curds. 
BEEF TRIPE STEW : 
There are two versions of this product. One is of Mexican origin and merchandised in 
association with the term “Menudo.” 
Corn is a prominent ingredient in its formula. The standard for an item of this nature 
requires that it contain not less than 33 percent beef tripe computed on the basis of the 
uncooked tripe in relation to total ingredients. 
The second product is popular in Puerto Rico. It is referred to as “Mondungo.” The 
product is made with 25 percent raw beef tripe. The remainder consists principally of 
potatoes, a squash with pumpkin -like appearance and flavor, and a native vegetable called 
“Tanier.” When the vegetables are not distinguishable, this product can be labeled as 
“Dominican Style Mondungo.” 
BEEF WELLINGTON: 
It is made with beef tenderloin that is roasted very rare. It is then spread with a liver pate, 
covered with pastry, and baked in a hot oven until pastry is brown. The product must 
contain at least 50 percent cooked meat and no more than 30 percent pastry. 
Alternatively, mushroom duxelle is an acceptable substitute for liver pate, but a true 
descriptive product name is required, e.g., “beef tenderloin covered with mushroom 
duxelle and wrapped with pastry.” 
BEERWURST, BIERWURST: 
A cooked smoked sausage. Same requirements as beef salami, with the exception that 
pork may be used.  
 
              
                 
  
 
      
 
  
 
              
      
 
   
   
                 
  
 
      
 
              
               
               
                
             
      
 
                
               
           
 
      
 
 
 
        
 
    
 
          BERLINER: 
A cooked smoked sausage usually made from coarsely cut cured pork in large casings. 
When beef is used, it shall not exceed 50 percent of the meat block. Pork stomachs or 
beef tripe not permitted. 
See: Policy Memo 048 dated May 18, 1982 
BERLINER BLOOD SAUSAGE: 
A cooked blood sausage containing diced bacon. After cooking it is dried and smoked. 
Ham fat, snouts, and lips are not permitted. 
See: Blood Sausage 
BIER SCHINKEN (GR): 
The literal translation is “Beer Ham.” If product is made of all pork, it may be labeled 
“Bier Schinken.” 
BINDERS IN POULTRY, BONELESS, RAW OR COOKED: 
Binding agents may be added individually or collectively in amounts not to exceed 3 
percent for cooked poultry products and 2 percent for raw poultry products based on total 
finished product. When binders are added in excess of these levels, the common or usual 
name of the binder or the generic term “Binders Added” shall be included in a product 
name qualifier, e.g., “Turkey Breast -Gelatin Added.” In all cases, the presence of these 
ingredients must be shown in the ingredients statement. 
This policy is intended to apply to binders which are used in chopped or chunked poultry 
products that are formed into rolls, loaves, etc., but not to binders added directly into 
whole muscle by injection, massaging, tumbling, etc., which then act as extenders. 
See: Policy Memo 103 dated February 13, 1987 
BLOCKWURST: 
A semi -dry type sausage. The maximum MPR is 3.7:1. 
BLOOD AND TONGUE SAUSAGE: 
Same as blood sausage, except cured and cooked pork or beef tongues are used.   
 
             
               
          
 
 
 
              
        
 
   
 
              
    
 
   
 
             
             
               
              
              
        
 
 
 
               
           
        
 
       
 
      
  
 
  
 
               
         
 
   
 
            
             
               BLOOD SAUSAGE: 
A cooked sausage formulated with blood and some meat. Usually contains pork skins 
and/or pork jowls. May also contain sweet pickled ham fat, snouts, and lips. If the 
product does not contain meat, it must be labeled as “Blood Pudding.” 
BOINGGHETTI: 
This label must show a true product name, “Spaghetti with Chicken Sauce.” The product 
must contain at least 6 percent cooked chicken meat. 
BONE -IN MEAT WITH SAUCE: 
Must have at least 50 percent meat (cooked basis). Product with barbecue sauce must 
comply with 9 CFR 319.312. 
BONELESS BREAST TRIMMINGS: 
Boneless breast trimmings (turkey or chicken) are defined as trimmings that are removed 
from the breast portion only. When a product is formulated with boneless breast 
trimmings, the amount of skin should be indicated in order to determine that the meat 
requirement is met for a standardized product and that the product is properly labeled. 
Trimmings from the ribs may be identified as white turkey or white chicken trimmings, or 
white turkey or white chicken rib meat (excluding skin). 
BRATWURST: 
This is a fresh sausage product that may contain byproducts when properly declared in the 
ingredients statement. Vegetables, cheese and fruit are also acceptable when properly 
declared as part of the product name e.g., “cheddar bratwurst.” 
See: 9 CFR 319.140 
Sausage Classification 
Sausage Type Products with Fruits and Vegetables 
Sausage Containing Cheese 
BRATWURST, CURED: 
Product that meet the requirement for bratwurst but also contain cures must be labeled as 
“Cured Bratwurst.” Bratwurst can be a cooked product. 
BREAKFAST LINKS OR PATTIES: 
The names “Breakfast Links” and “Breakfast Patties” can be considered fanciful names, 
which must be followed by a descriptive product name. Such products are acceptable 
without compliance with the fresh pork sausage or breakfast sausage standard. If the             
             
 
 
   
 
                
       
 
    
 
             
             
           
 
 
 
         
 
    
 
           
 
              
     
 
               
   
 
                 
   
 
             
        
 
     
 
               
               
      
 
  
 
                 
               names “Breakfast Links” or “Breakfast Patties” are used without further qualification, the 
products must meet either the fresh pork sausage standard or the breakfast sausage 
standard. 
BREAKFASTS (Containing Meat): 
The product must contain at least 15 percent cooked meat or poultry or meat or poultry 
food product based on the total net weight of breakfast. 
BROTH, BEEF OR PORK: 
No distinction has been made between “broth” and “stock.” They may be used 
interchangeably as the resulting liquid from simmering meat and/or bones in water with 
seasonings. Both products have an MPR of 135.1 or a 67.1 MPR for concentrate. 
BROTWURST: 
A cured and cooked sausage that may be smoked. 
BROWN AND SERVE SAUSAGE: 
The standard is based on one of the four options as listed below: 
1. Moisture Protein Ratio (MPR) is no more than 3.7:1, fat limited to 35 
percent, and 10 percent water at formulation. 
2. No more than 10 percent added water at formulation and a yield of no 
greater than 80 percent. 
3. No more than 8.8  percent added water at formulation and a yield no 
greater than 85 percent. 
4. Product must meet fresh sausage standard before cooking. The label must 
show true product name, e.g., “Brown and Serve Pork Sausage.” 
BROWN AND SERVE SAUSAGE (Canned): 
A cooked sausage, usually without cure, and not more than 8 percent water. The weight 
of the sausage at canning shall not exceed weight of fresh uncured meat ingredients plus 
weight of curing and seasoning ingredients. 
BRUNSWICK STEW: 
The product must contain at least 25 percent (fresh basis) of at least two kinds of meat, 
one of which may be poultry. Product must contain corn as one of the vegetables.     
  
                
             
              
         
 
    
 
                 
         
 
 
 
             
                 
                
           
 
         
           
               
            
              
            
 
 
                  
              
               
              
          
 
                
              
               
 
 
             
        
 
    
 
      See: Poultry Brunswick Stew 
BUFFALO STYLE: 
Meat or poultry products that are cooked and usually coated with a mild or spicy sauce 
containing, Cayenne red pepper, vinegar, salt and garlic, can be labeled, “Buffalo Style.” 
It would also be acceptable on any product labeled, “made in Buffalo, NY.” Buffalo 
wings is a fanciful term that requires a descriptive name. 
BURGUNDY SAUCE WITH BEEF AND NOODLES: 
The product must contain at least 25 percent cooked beef in the product, with up to 20 
percent cooked noodles. Product must contain enough wine to characterize the sauce. 
BURRITOS: 
A Mexican style sandwich -like product consisting of a flour tortilla, various fillings, and 
at least 15 percent meat or 10 percent cooked poultry meat. The flour tortilla is rolled and 
may or may not have tucked ends. Fillings may contain, in addition to meat or poultry 
meat, such major ingredients as beans, potatoes, cheese, rice, tomatoes, and chilies. 
Examples of product names are “BEEF BURRITO,” “TURKEY BURRITO,” 
“CHICKEN FAJITA BURRITO,” AND “CHILI VERDI WITH BEANS BURRITO.” If 
ingredients, e.g., rice or beans, are declared in the product name, they must appear in the 
proper order of predominance. Ingredients cannot be mentioned in the product name 
unless all other ingredients present in amounts equal to or above the declared ingredient 
are included in the name, e.g., “BEANS, BEEF, TOMATO, ONION, AND RICE 
BURRITO.” 
The use of “Red Chili” or “Green Chili” or a similar designation of the chili content in a 
starburst, flag, or similar display, separated from the product name, is acceptable. If such 
designations are used as part of the descriptive name, the presence of the chilies must 
appear in the correct order of predominance, and all other ingredients present in amounts 
equal to or greater than the chilies must appear in the product name. 
A claim or name that identifies the use of shredded meat or shredded poultry meat is 
permitted. However, if ground meat or ground poultry meat is also used, its presence 
must also be identified in the claim or name, e.g., “Shredded Beef and Ground Beef 
Burrito.” “BURRITO” alone, may be used to name the product without a descriptive name. 
However, the ingredients statement must appear directly beneath “burrito.” 
BURRITOS WITH SAUCE OR GRAVY: 
Product must contain at least 50 percent burritos.  
 
            
   
 
         
 
             
  
 
              
        
 
      
 
    
 
 
    
         
  
    
   
       
 
 
 
     
 
  
 
        
         
 
  
 
              
 
 
   
 
            
               
       
 
    
 
            
   BUTIFARRA- SAUSAGE: 
An uncured sausage. Labeling that features the term “Butifarra” would require an 
additional product name: 
Pork Sausage - for those products that meet the fresh pork sausage standard. 
Fresh Sausage -for those products that include byproduct but do not meet the standard for 
pork sausage. 
Sausage -for those products that are incubated or fermented. The term Puerto Rican 
Style would be applicable if manufactured in Puerto Rico. 
See: Policy Memo 002 dated May 30, 1980 
CADDIES , DISPLAY CADDIES -LABELING WITH RESPECT TO THE MARK OF 
INSPECTION: 
All meat and poultry product placed inside a display caddy must be fully labeled with all 
mandatory labeling features of an immediate container per 9 CFR 317.2 or 381 Subpart N. Display caddies when used as a shipping container are required to bear the ma rk of 
inspection and may continue to bear the mark of inspection when used as a caddie at retail for one -time use display. Display caddies may bear other labeling features as duplicated 
from the approved product labeling for the product or products within the display caddy. 
CAJUN: 
Refers to product made in Louisiana. 
CAJUN STYLE/CAJUN RECIPE: 
Acceptable identification for products containing onion/onion powder/dehydrated onion, 
garlic/garlic powder/dehydrated garlic, white pepper, red pepper, and black pepper. 
CALABRESE (IT): 
A salami originating in Southern Italy. Usually made entirely of pork seasoned with hot 
peppers. 
CALZONE, CALZONI (IT): 
Turnover- like product made with dough stuffed with meat or poultry, cheese, and 
seasonings and baked. It must contain 25 percent meat or 14 percent poultry meat. The 
label must show a true product name, e.g., “Sausage and Cheese Calzone.” 
CANADIAN AND CANADIAN STYLE BACON: 
“Canadian Bacon” and “Canadian Style Bacon” are synonymous and should not be 
considered geographical terms.                 
               
        
 
           
  
 
           
      
 
              
                
               
               
             
                 
              
              
               
                  
 
 
       
 
        
 
                 
                  
               
        
 
             
               
            
            
                
               
 
 
             
              
  
 
               
          The term “Canadian Style Bacon,” when featured on the label as a product name or part 
of a product name (i.e., as a description, etc.), may stand alone without an additional 
qualifier indicating the true geographical origin of the product. 
“Chunked and Formed” and “Water Added” products are permitted, provided proper 
labeling is applied. 
Uncooked and/or unsmoked “Canadian Style Bacon” is also permitted, provided labeling 
describes the product as uncooked and/or unsmoked. 
Product which is identified as “Canadian Style Bacon” is made from a trimmed boneless 
pork loin. On the shoulder end, the cross section of the longissimus dorsi muscle shall be 
equal to or larger than the combined cross sectional areas of the splenius and semispinalis 
capitis muscles. The ham end shall be removed anterior to the ilium. The exposed faces 
shall be approximately perpendicular with the skin surface. The dorsal and ventral side 
on each end of the “Canadian Style Bacon” shall not be more than 1.0 inch different in 
length. The belly is removed adjacent to the longissimus dorsi muscle. All bones and 
cartilage shall be removed. The tenderloin and the flesh overlying the blade bone are 
excluded. The surface fat (and false lean when necessary) shall be trimmed to 0.3 inches 
thick at any point. The fat on the ventral and dorsal sides is neatly beveled to meet the 
lean. 
See: Policy Memo 050B dated December 19, 1985 
CANADIAN STYLE BACON MADE WITH/FROM PORK SIRLOIN HIPS : 
The sirloin is obtained by removing a 5- to 7-inch section of the pork loin immediately in 
front of the hip or pelvic bone. The sirloin hip is obtained by removing the half of the 
sirloin which comprises the posterior end of the pork loin. The tenderloin is not included 
and surface fat shall be trimmed to 0.3 inches in thickness. 
The labeling for these Canadian Style Bacon products must bear a qualifying statement, 
adjacent to the product name, clarifying that pork sirloin hips are included or that the 
product is made entirely from pork sirloin hips, e.g., “Canadian Style Bacon --Includes 
Pork Sirloin Hips” or “Canadian Style Bacon --Made from Pork Sirloin Hips.” The 
smallest letter in the qualifier should not be less than one-third the size of the largest 
letter in the product name. The qualifier must be of equal prominence to the product 
name. Chunked (or chopped) and formed varieties and substances controlled by the protein fat 
free (PFF) regulation for cured pork products 9 CFR 319.104 shall be labeled in 
accordance with applicable guidelines. Use of this type of product in a secondary product, e.g., a pizza, requires complete 
identification only in the ingredients statement; the product name of the secondary            
      
    
 
         
 
 
 
              
              
                 
      
 
  
 
              
              
              
     
 
   
 
               
        
 
       
 
 
              
              
             
        
 
  
 
              
              
          
               
           
            
 
                
              product need only refer to Canadian Style Bacon, e.g., Canadian Style Bacon Pizza. 
See: Policy Memo 116 dated July 11, 1988 
CANNED CHOPPED BEEF OR PORK: 
Cured product with no more than 3 percent water in formula. 
CANNED MEAT: 
“Canned meat with Natural Juices;” is acceptable for product that has been pumped or 
contains up to 10 percent of a solution before canning and processing. Processed canned 
uncured meat products, when water or broth is added to the can may not be called “with 
natural juices,” but the acceptable name would be “with juices.” 
CANNELLONI (IT): 
Product must contain at least 10 percent meat or 7 percent cooked poultry meat. 
Cannelloni is an Italian term referring to a product with the same characteristics as 
“Ravioli” except Cannelloni has a tubular form. The product name should show the type 
of species, e.g., “Beef Cannelloni.” 
CANTONESE STYLE SPECIES: 
Marinated in a solution of soy sauce, cooked and returned weight. In addition, product is 
mildly seasoned with sugar, salt, wine, and spices. 
CAPACOLLO, COOKED (Capicola, Capocolla, Capacola, Capicollo, Cappicola, 
Capacolo) (IT): 
Boneless pork shoulder butts which are cured and then cooked. The curing process may 
be dry curing, immersion curing, or pump curing. The cured product is coated with 
spices and paprika before cooking. This product shall always be labeled with “Cooked” 
as part of the product name. Water added is permitted. 
CARAMEL COLORING: 
Caramel is considered a natural color. However, when caramel coloring is added to a 
product, the product name must be qualified to indicate the presence of artificial coloring, 
e.g., “Cooked Roast Beef-Caramel Coloring Added” or “Artificially Colored.” This 
requirement does not apply to gravies, sauces, and similar products where the use of such 
coloring is customary. Seasoning mixes containing small quantities of caramel coloring 
may be used if the caramel coloring does not impart color to the finished product. 
Caramel coloring may be used on the surface of raw products, e.g., beef patties, if the 
name is appropriately qualified. However, caramel coloring may not be added directly to                
   
 
      
 
  
 
                
            
 
       
 
 
 
            
             
             
           
              
  
 
              
              
              
                  
               
       
 
              
 
  
 
              
           
  
 
 
 
          
 
  
 
               
              
               
       the formulation of a raw product where the caramel coloring becomes an integral part of 
the total product. 
See: Policy Memo 112 dated June 6, 1988 
CARBONADE (FR): 
Product must contain at least 50 percent meat. It may contain beef, pork, or mutton, and 
beer or wine. Product is slowly cooked, either by braising or stewing. 
Label must show a true product name, e.g., “Beef Carbonade.” 
CARRIERS: 
Substances, as defined by the Food and Drug Administration, that carry flavoring 
compounds, e.g., essential oils, on their surface, and are not expected to provide a 
functional effect, e.g., binding and emulsifying, in the finished food product and are 
considered incidental. Some substances, e.g., maltodextrin and modified food starch, are 
not carriers but actually diluents or bulking agents, and must be declared in the 
ingredients statement. 
Dextrose and/or sugar are commonly used as carriers for spice extracts and resins of 
spices. The carrier must be declared in the ingredients statement, except in those cases 
where a sweetening agent is used separately in formulating the meat or poultry product 
and the use of the spice mixture will not result in the quantity of the carrier being more 
than 0.75 percent of the seasoning mix. When a determination cannot be made from the 
information on the label application, declaration is required. 
Salt, when used as a carrier, will always be declared regardless of amount used. 
CASING, ARTIFICIAL: 
Frankfurters packaged in retail containers with the artificial casing left on must bear a 
prominent statement, e.g., “Remove casing before eating,” contiguous to the product 
name on the label. 
CASSEROLE: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent meat or 18 percent cooked meat. 
CASSOULET (FR): 
Product must contain at least 25 percent meat. A complex stew consisting of dried white 
beans and a combination of pork, lamb, game, and sausages. The ingredients are cooked, 
then put into a casserole, usually covered with crumbs, and baked. Label must show true 
product name, e.g., “Beans and Bacon in Sauce.”   
 
                
               
         
 
 
 
                 
               
           
 
 
 
              
           
             
           
            
        
 
 
 
              
             
 
 
   
 
               
            
 
   
 
     
       
    
 
                 
              
 CENTER SLICE: 
When the term “Center Slice” is used on labels for slices of ham from smoked and 
cooked, smoked, or water cooked hams, product must be sliced from an area of the 
original ham positioned about 1 inch on each side of a center cut. 
CEREAL: 
Cereal is a generic term for grains from grass, e.g., wheat, rice, rye, oats, barley, and corn. 
All ingredients must be listed by common or usual name on labeling. However, cereal is 
not a common or usual name and requires a sublisting in the ingredients statement. 
CERTIFIED: 
With the exception of the term “Certified Pork” the term “certified” implies that the 
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Agriculture Marketing Service 
(AMS) have officially evaluated a meat product for class, grade, or other quality 
characteristics. When used under other circumstances, the term should be closely 
associated with the name of the organization responsible for the “Certification” process 
(e.g., “XYZ Company's Certified Meat,” or “Our Certified Meat”). 
CERVELAT: 
A cured and cooked sausage, often a semi-dry or dry summer sausage. Hog stomachs, 
beef tripe and extenders are permitted. There is no MPR (moisture protein ratio) 
requirement. 
CHA SHU BOW (CH): 
A steamed bun with a dry roasted pork filling requiring 15 percent cooked pork. Label 
must show true product name, e.g., “Steamed Bun with a Pork and Cabbage Filling.” 
CHEEK MEAT, BEEF: 
Natural proportions are considered to be 2 percent. 
See: Policy Memo 098B dated August 1, 1990 
See: 9 CFR 319.15 
The use of cheek meat is limited to 25 percent in ground beef, chopped beef and similar 
type products. If cheek meat exceeds 2 percent (natural proportions), its presence must be 
declared.  
 
              
    
 
              
               
              
           
 
               
        
 
               
       
 
                
               
        
            
           
        
 
               
              
              
          
 
            
              
              
               
                
             
              
             
             
             
              
              
           
            
              CHEESE: 
1. When cheese is declared in the ingredients statement of a fabricated product, cheddar 
cheese must be used in the product's formulation. 
2. Swiss, Gruyere: The term “Gruyere” pertains to a cheese that closely resembles “Swiss 
Cheese” both in its appearance and on analysis, although it has smaller holes than Swiss 
Cheese. FDA advises that Gruyere Cheese is a suitable substitute for Swiss Cheese and 
gives the same character to a finished food product, e.g., “Chicken Cordon Bleu.” 
3. The term Cheese may appear in the product name, e.g., “Ham and Cheese Loaf,” 
provided the common name is declared in the ingredients statement. 
4. When a cheese product and meat or poultry food product are packaged together, the 
product name shown on the label must show the name of each component product. 
For example, if slices of ham and slices of a cheese product are packaged together, the 
product name should include “Ham” and the name of the cheese product (e.g., Ham and 
Pasteurized Processed American Cheese). Alternatively, the Pasteurized Processed 
American Cheese could be parenthetically qualified contiguous to the product name (e.g., 
“Ham and Cheese (Pasteurized Processed American Cheese”). The name “Ham and 
Cheese” alone would be acceptable if the cheese used was “Cheddar Cheese.” 
5. Use of substitute or imitation cheese in products where real cheese is expected (e.g., 
Cordon Bleu) requires the product name be changed or qualified to indicate the presence 
of the ersatz cheese. Substitute and imitation cheeses cannot be described as “cheese” in 
the product name. There is no limitation on the amount of ersatz cheese used. 
6. Expressed Nutrient Content Claim Standardized Cheese – FDA regulation 21 CFR 
130.10 is a general definition and standard of identity rule for manufacturing and labeling 
of substitute cheese products where its normal counterpart is governed und 21 CFR Part 
133. Such products use the name of a standardized cheese in their statement of identity 
but do not comply with the standard of identity because of a deviation that is described by 
an expressed nutrient content claim that has been defined by FDA regulation. These 
products must be identified on the labeling of meat and poultry products by their common 
or usual name which contains an expressed nutrient content claim along with the 
standardized name of cheese, e.g., “Low Fat Cheddar Cheese.” In addition, the expressed 
nutrient content cheese must be properly identified in the ingredients declaration by its 
common or usual name and a sublisting of its ingredients that display an asterisk(s) 
identifying an ingredient(s) in the cheese sublisting and linked to another asterisk with a 
statement indicating “ingredients not in regular…” and/or “ingredients in excess of 
amount permitted by…” The asterisk(s) and the statement in the ingredients declaration 
are necessary as they are part of the identity of the expressed nutrient content cheese.    
 
        
 
       
 
               
              
            
  
 
    
 
            
              
               
            
             
   
 
   
 
             
            
             
               
       
 
  
 
              
      
 
    
 
             
            
              
    
 
  
 
               
               
    7.  Cheese is a standardized product. 
See: 21 CFR 130.10 and 133 for a listing of standardized cheeses 
CHEESE (PASTEURIZED PROCESSED CHEESE FOOD OR SPREAD): 
A cheese food product with a standard of identity, but is not considered a cheese. 
Therefore, it cannot be used in meat food products where cheese is an expected 
ingredient, e.g., “Cheesefurters” or “Veal Cordon Bleu.” It is acceptable in non-specific 
loaves, etc. 
CHEESE PRODUCTS CONTAINING MEAT: 
Homogeneous cheese and meat products, e.g., cheese balls with pepperoni, must contain 
more than 50 percent meat to be amenable to USDA inspection. Cheese products that 
contain 50 percent or less meat are considered products of the dairy food industry and, 
thus, are exempt from federal inspection. When cheese and meat are separate 
components in a package, the packaged product is amenable, provided, it contains 2 
percent cooked meat. 
CHEESE STANDARDIZED PRODUCTS: 
Cheese standardized products that require real cheese, e.g., chicken cordon bleu, must use 
FDA standardized cheese or those FDA standardized cheeses specified. Use of a 
substitute, imitation cheese or other non FDA standard cheeses, if permitted, must be 
declared in the product name, or a suitable qualifier, e.g., chicken cordon bleu made with 
reduced fat cheese. The 90/10- cheese rule is only applicable to pizza. 
CHICHARRONES (PR): 
The Spanish name for fried pork skins. Product must have an English product name, 
“Fried Pork Skins” except in Puerto Rico. 
CHICHARRONES de POLLO (PR): 
An acceptable product name for “Marinated Cut-up Fried Chicken” sold in Puerto Rico. 
When product is destined for sale only in Puerto Rico, “Chicharrones de Pollo” can be the 
product name. When destined for sale in other places, “Chicharrones de Pollo” must be 
explained with true product name. 
CHICKEN, ALOHA: 
“Aloha Chicken” is acceptable as a coined name which must be followed by a true 
product name, e.g., “Chicken and Sauce with Rice.” The standard for the product is 22 
percent cooked poultry meat.     
 
        
 
   
 
  
 
              
                 
              
 
        
     
              
                 
           
              
   
 
 
 
 
               
              
             
   
 
 
 
               
          
       
 
 
 
              
           
 CHICKEN AND NOODLES AU GRATIN (FR): 
Product must contain at least 18 percent cooked chicken meat. 
CHICKEN CORDON BLEU (FR) : 
Product should contain: 
1. Chicken breast meat (sliced) with or without chicken skin. Marinade or solution may 
be included in the meat content of the product. If another part of the chicken is used, 
product would need to be descriptively labeled, for more information see #5 in this 
entry. 
2. Cured pork, e.g.: ham, Canadian Style Bacon 
3. Cheese or pasteurized processed cheese 
4. Product can be breaded or unbreaded. If breading is used, breading is limited to 30%. 
5. If any of the conditions for chicken cordon bleu are not met, the product should be 
descriptively labeled. Not meeting the conditions can include using uncured bacon, 
uncured turkey ham, cured turkey ham, imitation cheese, or some other part of the 
chicken than the breast. 
CHICKEN ENCHILADA SUIZA: 
The product consists of chicken enchiladas with a cream sauce. The sauce used must be 
made with sour cream, heavy cream, or whipping cream in an amount sufficient to 
characterize the sauce. The label must show a true product name, e.g., “Chicken 
Enchilada with Cream Sauce.” 
CHICKEN OVA: 
These can not be used for human consumption without first going to an egg products 
plant for pasteurization (because of problem with potential Salmonella contamination). 
Chicken Ova can not use the poultry inspection legend. 
CHICKEN PAPRIKA: 
Product must contain at least 35 percent chicken. A Hungarian dish. Sauce must contain 
either sour or sweet cream and enough paprika to give a pink color.  
 
                
                 
      
 
 
 
               
 
 
                 
 
 
                   
                
  
 
              
          
 
               
   
 
                 
     
 
          
 
             
             
            
           
     
 
   
 
 
 
            
                
  
 
                
       
      CHICKEN WELLINGTON: 
It is made with roasted chicken that is spread with liver pate, covered with pastry, and 
baked in a hot oven until pastry is brown. The product must contain at least 59 percent 
cooked meat and no more than 30 percent pastry. 
CHILI: 
1. “Brick Chili” or “Condensed Chili” requires 80 percent meat. Cereal is limited to 16 
percent. 
2. Chili with reconstitution directions should meet the chili standard when 
reconstituted. 
3. When beef heart meat, cheek meat, or head meat is used in excess of 25 percent of the 
meat block, it must be reflected in the product name, e.g., “Chili with Beef and Beef 
Heart Meat.” 
4. When beef appears in the product name, BEEF MAY BE THE ONLY MEAT 
SOURCE USED. Beef Chili may not contain beef fat or other beef byproducts. 
5. “Chili Gravy with Meat” requires at least 40 percent fresh meat and no more 
than 8 percent cereals. 
6. Cured meats are not an expected ingredient in chili; when used, they must be shown as 
part of the product name. 
7. The terms “Chili” or “Chili con Carne” may be used interchangeably. 
8. Since “con carne” means “with meat,” products labeled as chili con carne 
should include only red meat and not poultry. Products which meet the chili 
standard and include poultry may be labeled “beef and chicken chili,” “beef 
chili, chicken added,” etc., as appropriate. The binder and extender limitation 
of 8 percent is based on total formulation. 
See: 9 CFR 319.300 
CHILI COLORADO: 
Product must meet 9 CFR 319.300 requirements. Chili peppers must be exclusively of the 
red variety. If a prepared chili powder is used, it must be prepared exclusively from red 
chili peppers. 
The term “Colorado” is used for red more than “Rojo” in Mexico. The term “Rojo” is 
used more in Spain, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. 
See: Policy Memo 013 dated September 12, 1980  
 
               
      
 
 
 
           
 
 
 
              
              
    
 
 
 
                 
           
 
 
 
      
 
   
 
      
 
  
 
             
                 
             
              
  
 
      
 
  
 
              
     
 
             
   CHILI -MAC: 
Product must contain at least 16 percent meat. The label requires a true product name, 
e.g., “Bean, Macaroni and Beef in Sauce”. 
CHILI PIE: 
Chili component of the total product must have at least 40 percent fresh meat. 
CHILI PUPS: 
An emulsion stuffed in casing and smoked. Label requires a true product name, e.g., 
“Chili con Carne and Ground Beans Product.” Product must contain at least 60 percent 
fresh meat in total formulation. 
CHILI RELLENO: 
Product must contain at least 12 percent fresh meat and be coated with a batter and then 
fried. Sometimes product is called “Chili Pepper Relleno.” Relleno means stuffed. 
CHILI SPAGHETTI: 
Product must contain at least 16 percent meat. 
CHILI SAUCE WITH MEAT: 
Product must contain at least 6 percent meat. 
CHILI VERDE (SP): 
Product must meet 9 CFR 319.300 requirements. Chili peppers must be exclusively of 
the green chili or Verde chili pepper varieties. If a prepared chili powder is used, it must 
have been prepared exclusively from green chili or Verde chili peppers. Products, e.g., 
“Chili Verde with Beans” shall comply with 9 CFR 319.301 and the above requirements 
for “Chili Verde.” 
See: Policy Memo 013 dated September 12, 1980 
CHILI WITH BEANS: 
1. “Brick Chili with Beans” or “Condensed Chili with Beans” requires 50 percent meat 
and cereal is limited to 16 percent. 
2. Chili with Beans with reconstitution directions should meet the Chili with Beans 
standard when reconstituted.                    
                
    
 
                 
          
 
                
      
 
                
               
        
 
                          
 
 
           
   
 
 
               
               
               
    
 
   
 
           
               
              
            
              
   
 
   
 
               
                   
               
    3. When beef heart meat, cheek meat, or head meat is used in excess of 25 percent of the 
meat block, it must be reflected in the product name, e.g., “Chili with Beef and Beef 
Heart Meat with Beans.” 
4. When beef appears in the product name, beef may be the only meat source used. Beef 
Chili with Beans may not contain beef fat or other beef byproducts. 
5. Cured meats are not an expected ingredient in Chili with Beans; when used, they must 
be shown as part of product name. 
6. “Chili with Beans” formulae usually contain up to 25 percent of beans in a product. 
About one- fourth of these beans may be incorporated in the product as ground beans and 
should be listed in the ingredients statement as ground beans. 
7. The terms “Chili with Beans” or “Chili con Carne with Beans” may be used 
interchangeably. 
8. The binder and extender limitation of 8 percent is based on total formulation. 
See: 9 CFR 319.301 
CHIMICHANGA: 
Product must contain at least 15 percent meat or 10 percent poultry meat. A Mexican 
specialty from the State of Sonora. Like burritos, product is made by wrapping a flour 
tortilla around a filling; but unlike the burrito, chimichanga is fried until brown and crisp. 
“Fried Burritos” is acceptable. 
CHINESE BRAND LINKS: 
Raw nonspecific sausage -like products. These products are permitted to contain artificial 
red coloring; however, if pork is used it must be certified. Unlike the term “links,” 
“Chinese Brand Links” is considered a coined or fanciful name, and [as a] nonspecific 
product, it must be accompanied by an ingredients statement. Furthermore, “made in 
USA” must be contiguous to the word “brand” but cannot intervene between “links” and 
the ingredients statement. 
CHINESE PEPPER STEAK: 
A Chinese main dish, usually served with rice, must contain at least 30 percent cooked 
beef. Beef steak is cut into thin strips, browned in fat or oil, and added to a soy flavored 
sauce. Vegetables are also added to the sauce. Green pepper strips are always used and 
other vegetables may be included.     
 
 
  
     
   
 
 
   
 
       
 
   
 
       
 
  
 
                 
              
        
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
              
            
          
 
    
 
     
 
              
              
     
 
  
 
              
   CHINESE STYLE BARBECUE MEAT: 
Acceptable identification for barbecued meat (9 CFR 319.80) product that is flavored with a 
solution with soy sauce, grain alcohol or dry sherry wine, and a sweetener, that is, sugar or honey. Other ingredients may include garlic or scallions, ginger or ginger juice, sesame or peanut oil.  The product may be artificially colored.  If artificially colored, a qualifier is needed. 
CHINESE STYLE BEEF : 
Product must contain grain alcohol and soy sauce. 
CHINESE STYLE SAUSAGE: 
Product must contain grain alcohol and soy sauce. 
CHIPPED BEEF: 
Beef that is dried, chipped, or sliced and may be cured or smoked. An MPR 2.04:1 is 
required. It may be chunked, ground, chopped, and formed. If so, the product name must 
be qualified, e.g., “Chipped Beef, Chunked and Formed.” 
Acceptable fill: 
1. 2 oz. in a 4 fluid oz. glass, or 
2. 2 1/2 oz. in a 5 fluid oz. glass, or 
3. 5 oz. in a 9- 5/8 fluid oz. glass. 
CHITTERLINGS: 
Approved label must identify the species of food animal from which the product is 
derived. Hog bungs may be labeled “Pork Chitterlings.” The purge under normal 
conditions should not exceed 20 percent of the net weight of frozen chitterlings. 
See: 9 CFR 317.8(b)(30) 
CHOICE GRADE, FANCY GRADE POULTRY: 
“Choice” or “Fancy” may not be used in conjunction with “Grade” on poultry labels. 
These terms and others like “Prime” and “Top Quality” on poultry labels indicate only 
that product is equal to U.S. Grade A. 
CHOPPED CHICKEN LIVERS: 
Total product must contain at least 50 percent cooked chicken livers. Wheat flour and 
similar ingredients are acceptable.       
 
 
             
    
 
  
 
             
       
 
   
 
   
 
               
            
             
      
 
    
 
       
 
  
 
                
           
             
       
 
             
             
    
 
  
 
               
       
 
     
 
  
 
      CHOPPED CHICKEN LIVERS COMBINED WITH OTHER CHARACTERIZING 
COMPONENTS: 
Product must contain at least 30 percent cooked livers, e.g., “Chopped Chicken Livers 
with Eggs and Onions”. 
CHOPPED HAM: 
A total of 15 percent shank meat is permitted. This is 3 percent above the normal 
proportion of 12 percent shank meat found in a whole ham. 
See: 9 CFR 319.105 
CHOP SUEY, AMERICAN: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent fresh meat in total formulation. A stew-like dish 
prepared with beef, pork, or veal. Vegetables include onion and celery. Macaroni, 
noodles, or rice are usually incorporated in the product, although recipes suggest serving 
chop suey over one of these. 
CHOP SUEY (VEGETABLES WITH MEAT): 
Product must contain at least 12 percent fresh meat. 
CHORIZO (SP): 
The product name “Chorizo” can be used for any type of chorizo sausage that is cooked, 
dry, semi-dry, cured and fresh without further product name qualification. Other 
requirements for various types of chorizo apply, including the sausage standard. It is 
seasoned with Spanish pimento and red pepper. 
Partially defatted pork fatty tissue is acceptable in Chorizo. Wine is considered a 
flavoring and need only appear in the ingredients statement. However, the liquid is 
credited as added water. 
CHORIZO, FRESH: 
These products may contain vinegar. The vinegar used must have a strength of no less 
than 4 grams of acetic acid per 100 cubic centimeters (20o C.). 
Policy Memo 034 dated October 1, 1981 
CHORIZO IN LARD: 
Product must contain at least 55 percent chorizo.    
 
              
                  
     
 
    
 
       
 
  
 
               
          
 
    
 
             
              
             
       
 
  
 
               
                 
            
            
 
 
                
                
             
         
 
               
    
 
      
   
 
   
 
            
               
                   CHORIZO IN LARD, CANNED: 
Canned chorizos that are packed hot, usually in lard, and are not thermally processed 
must have a moisture protein ratio of 1.8:1 and a pH of not more than 5.5. An alternative 
standard is a water activity (Aw) of 0.92. 
CHOW MEIN WITH MEAT: 
Product must contain at least 12 percent fresh meat. 
CHULENT (CHOLENT): 
Product must contain at least 25 percent fresh meat. A meal -in-one dish of Jewish 
cuisine made in various ways. The product name can stand without qualification. 
COARSE GROUND MEAT TRIMMINGS: 
Coarse ground trimmings may be shipped from an establishment without meeting the 30 
percent fat limitation if a specific fat content is declared, e.g., “Coarse Ground Beef 
Trimmings -40 percent fat beef.” If the labeling terminology is “Coarse Ground Beef” or 
“Ground Beef”, the 30 percent fat limitation shall apply. 
COLORED CASING: 
Colored casings on meat and poultry products which do not transfer color to the product, 
but which change and give a false impression of the true color of the products, must be 
labeled to indicate the presence of the casings. Acceptable terminology includes “Casing 
Colored” or “Artificially Colored.” These phrases must appear contiguous to the product 
name. 
Casings which are the same color as the product and not misleading or deceptive, e.g., a 
white opaque casing on a summer sausage, do not have to be so labeled. Also, products 
consisting of whole muscle bundles, e.g., hams, pork butts, etc., packaged in colored 
wrappings where a cut surface is not visible through the casing are exempt. 
The color agent must be specifically identified on the label either in the product name 
qualifier or ingredient statement. 
See: Policy Memo 095 dated February 27, 1986 
See: 9 CFR 319.15(d) 
COMPOSITE INGREDIENTS STATEMENT: 
Processors who use a multi -ingredient product, e.g., pepperoni from various sources, as 
an ingredient, may identify all the ingredients that may be present from all the various 
formulations (i.e., a composite ingredients statement). However, the ingredients                 
              
             
        
 
            
      
 
           
 
            
         
 
 
               
            
                         
         
 
      
 
  
 
              
   
  
 
               
  
 
    
 
 
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
 identified as those that may be present can only be those ingredients that are minor in 
nature and cannot include ingredients, e.g., the meat component that have a bearing on 
the overall characteristics or value of the product. The minor ingredients must be 
identified using one of the following examples of acceptable formats: 
1. pepperoni (pork, beef, water, salt, spices, sodium nitrite. May also contain 
lactic acid starter culture, sugar, and sodium ascorbate). 
2. bacon bits (cured with water, salt, dextrose and/or sugar, sodium nitrite). 
3. pepperoni, pork, beef, water, sweeteners (contains one or more of the 
following: sugar, dextrose, fructose, corn syrup), salt, spices, sodium 
nitrite). 
Labeling records must identify all the ingredients of each type of component that is used 
so the accuracy of the composite ingredients statement can be determined. All labeling 
for meat and poultry products must either comply with this type of format or, 
alternatively, accurately list all ingredients used in the product. 
See: Policy Memo 072 dated May 18, 1984 
COOKED BEEF, EQUIVALENCY: 
In lieu of fresh beef, a 70 percent yield figure is used if no yield information is provided. 
See: FSIS Directive 7124.1 Table 2 
COOKED BREAKFAST SAUSAGE: 
Antioxidants are permitted when product is formulated on a raw basis (no more than 3 
percent water). 
COOKED RED MEAT PRODUCTS CONTAINING ADDED SOLUTIONS : 
Cooked corned beef products and cooked cured pork products not addressed by the cured pork products regulation (9 CFR 319.104, 319.105), that weigh more than the weight of the fresh uncured article, may be prepared if they are descriptively labeled to indicate the presence and amount of the additional substances.  Acceptable product names include: “Cooked Corned Beef and X % Water” or “Cooked Cured Pork and Water Product, X % of Weight is Added Ingredients,” and “Cooked Pastrami and Up to 20 % of a Solution.”  The ingredients of the solution may accompany the product name or appear in locations prescribed for ingredient statements.  Product name prominence guidelines are found in Policy Memo 087A (on Word Size in Labeling of Product Names and Fanciful Names ) and 
Policy Memo 109 (on Labeling Prominence Guidelines for Cured, Cooked Products with 
Added Substances That Do Not Return to Green Weight) .  If product name qualifiers, such 
as “X % of Weight is Added Ingredients,” are used, the labeling prominence guidelines used for cured pork products as found in 9 CFR 319.104(b) apply.  
 
 
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
              
                
  
 
     
 
            
              
              
                 
             
                 
      
 
       Uncured red meat products that weigh more than the weight of the fresh article after 
cooking should be labeled with a qualifying statement indicating the amount of solution remaini ng after cooking, for example, “After cooking, contains X % of a seasoning solution 
of . . . .”  The ingredients of the solution may accompany the qualifying statement or appear in locations prescribed for ingredient statements.  The qualifying statement must be one-fourth the size of the largest letter in the product name.  If the ingredients of the 
solution accompany the qualifier, they must appear in print one -eighth the size of the most 
prominent letter in the product name.  Other labeling prominence guidelines are found in Policy Memo 087A (Word Size in Labeling of Product Names and Fanciful Names) .  
If cooked, uncured red meat products that contain added solutions prior to cooking are cooked back to or below the weight of the fresh (green weight) art icle, words, such as 
“seasoned” and “flavored,” are to be used to reflect the addition of the added substances, for example, “Seasoned Cooked Beef.” 
For cooked products, the % added solution for the label statement is determined by 
subtracting the fresh ( green) weight of the article from the weight of the finished cooked 
product, (that is, after injecting, marinating, etc., and cooking), dividing by the weight of the finished product, and multiplying by 100. 
This policy is intended to apply to solutions that impart favorable flavor and other sensory 
characteristics, but not to solutions containing ingredients used to extend a product, such as isolated soy protein and carrageenan. 
Nonstandardized, raw red meat products containing added solutions must comply with 9 
CFR 317.2(e)(2). 
See:  Policy Memo 084A dated November 30, 1994 (Cooked Red Meat Products Containing Added Substances) 
CORN DOG OR KORN DOG: 
A coined name which must be accompanied by a true product name, e.g., “Batter 
Wrapped Franks on a Stick.” Product is limited to 65 percent batter and a minimum of 
35 percent frankfurter. 
CORN DOG OR KORN DOG (POULTRY): 
“Corn Dogs” made from poultry cooked sausage, e.g., poultry franks or poultry 
frankfurters, must show the “kind” of poultry used in conjunction with the coined name 
“Corn Dogs,” e.g., “Chicken (or Turkey) Corn Dogs.” The “kind” name should be shown 
in type size at least one-third the size of the largest letter of the coined name. A 
descriptive name, e.g., “Batter Wrapped Chicken Frank on a Stick,” must accompany the 
coined name. If the descriptive name is at least one-third the size of the coined name, the 
“kind” name need not precede the coined name. 
See: Policy Memo 061A dated September 16, 1985     
 
       
 
    
 
        
 
       
 
             
              
   
          
    
 
        
 
   
 
               
              
              
    
 
    
 
            
             
               
               
  
 
  
 
                
                
         
 
    
 
 
 
             
    CORN MEAL MUSH WITH BACON: 
Product must contain at least 15 percent cooked bacon. 
CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent cooked corned beef. 
CORNED BEEF (Canned, Cooked with Natural Juices): 
Canned product labeled “Cooked Corned Beef with Natural Juices,” is limited to 10 
percent added solution before cooking. If the added solution is greater than 10 percent, 
the label must 
indicate the total added solution, e.g., “Cooked Corned Beef and Water product -X percent 
of weight is added ingredients.” 
See: Cooked Corned Beef Products With Added Substances 
CORNED BEEF, GRAY: 
Gray corned beef is not a cured product but one that contains water, salt, sugar, 
flavorings, etc. It should be labeled as “Gray Corned Beef,” “Gray Corned Beef Rounds,” 
etc. The label must show an ingredients statement rather than a curing statement as 
shown on other corned beef labels. 
CORNED BEEF WITH JUICES: 
Uncooked corned beef with juices (or without juices and spices) is unacceptable 
terminology for corned beef products meeting standards in 9 CFR 319.101 and 319.102 
for corned beef brisket and corned beef round (and other cuts). The presence of free 
flowing juices in a package does not change this policy. The net weight includes free 
flowing juices. 
COTECHINO (IT): 
Pork skin sausage. Meat and meat by-products other than pork skin can be used in this 
product. It could also be given the name of pork skin sausage in parentheses as a 
common name. Italian sausage. A variety of cooked sausage. 
See: 9 CFR 319.140 
COUNTRY: 
A geographical term that refers to an unincorporated area. To use country, the product 
must be made in the country.   
 
              
 
   
 
             
      
 
   
 
       
 
     
 
              
             
            
            
         
 
   
  
 
     
 
                
          
 
     
 
             
         
 
          
       
 
                
               
    
 
  
 
             
             
          COUNTRY FRIED: 
Refers to a fried product that is usually breaded. It is not considered a geographical term. 
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: 
Statement, “Product of ……….” need only appear beneath the product name on the 
Principal Display Panel on imported product. 
COUNTRY STYLE CHICKEN: 
Cut up chicken in which the wishbone is left whole. 
COUNTRY STYLE (FARM STYLE) SAUSAGE : 
When sausage products are labeled “farm style” or “country style,” they must be prepared 
with natural spices with the exclusion of oleoresins, essential oils, or other spice 
extractives. Sugar is the sweetening agent for “farm style” or “country style.” HVP, 
MSG, and antioxidants are permitted ingredients. Products so labeled are not necessarily 
prepared in the country (on the farm) but are expected to have these characteristics. 
See: 9 CFR 317.8(b)(2) 
Manual 19.3(a) 
CREAMED BEEF (Chipped or Dried): 
Product must contain at least 18 percent dried beef. It may be produced using a cured 
beef, or beef product which has been chopped, pressed, or cooked. 
CREAMED CHEESE WITH CHIPPED BEEF: 
Product consists of cream cheese, chipped beef, cream and chopped onions. The meat 
component must be at least 12 percent of the total formulation. 
CREAMED SAUCE WITH MEAT OR CREAMED MEAT PRODUCTS (Chipped Beef, 
Cooked Beef, Sausage, Ham, Franks, Meatballs, Etc.): 
Product must contain at least 18 percent meat or meat products (on a cooked basis). The 
kind of meat product used should be reflected in the product name (e.g., “Creamed Cured 
Beef, Chopped, Pressed, Cooked”). 
CREOLE STYLE: 
Term applies to many dishes made with tomatoes, spices, and green peppers. Spices 
include onion, garlic, bell pepper, white pepper, red pepper, black pepper, parsley, and 
other Louisiana seasonings, e.g., bay leaf, filét, paprika, or pepper sauce.   
 
                 
            
            
      
 
 
 
  
 
              
 
 
              
    
 
                
     
 
         
 
 
 
               
        
 
 
 
              
        
 
 
 
              
           
            
 
 
 
       
 
              
            
           
            CREPE FILLING: 
Must contain at least 40 percent cooked meat or 20 percent cooked meat if filling has one 
other characterizing ingredient, e.g., cheese, and at least 14 percent cooked meat when the 
filling has two other characterizing ingredients, e.g., cheese and mushrooms. This is 
based on the total weight of the filling. 
CREPES: 
Product must contain: 
1. At least 20 percent cooked meat when the filling contains no other major characterizing 
component. 
2. At least 10 percent cooked meat when the filling contains one other major 
characterizing component (e.g., cheese). 
3. At least 7 percent cooked meat when the filling contains two or more other major 
characterizing components (e.g., cheese and mushrooms). 
These percentages are based on the total weight of the product. 
CROISSANT: 
A crescent shaped roll requiring 18 percent cooked meat. Label must show a true product 
name, e.g., “Croissant with a ham and cheese sauce filling.” 
CROQUETTE: 
Product must contain at least 35 percent cooked meat, based on total formulation. Beef, 
ham, etc., must appear as part of the product name. 
CURDLAN: 
A substance identified y the common or usual name “curdlan” has been approved for use 
in foods (see 12/16/1996 Federal Register), and for non-standardized meat products, 
poultry products, and in Policy Memo 123 and 121B products as a 
binder/stabilizer/thickener/texturizer. 
CURED MEAT PRODUCTS -Labeling of Mechanically Reduced: 
The traditional names of cured meat products, e.g., bacon, may be used even though 
mechanical reduction- like chopping or chunking has taken place before the product has 
acquired the characteristics expected of the product, provided the finished product 
acquires the characteristics expected. Furthermore, the mechanical reduction must be                  
   
 
      
 
      
 
              
                
            
             
       
 
   
 
             
       
 
  
 
            
               
              
          
    
 
          
      
        
                
     
 
    
 
              
             
                
  
 
 
       
 
                
    noted in the product name or in a qualifier to the product name (e.g., chopped bacon or 
bacon -chopped and formed). 
See: Policy Memo 033 dated September 4, 1981 
CURED MEAT PRODUCTS -Packed in Brine: 
Cured meat products, e.g., pork tails, pork snouts, and cured boneless beef brisket, that 
contain 120-200 PPM nitrite and are packed and sold in brine solution, do not require a 
handling statement, e.g., “Keep Refrigerated,” provided the finished product has at least 
10 percent brine concentration, and the packing medium contains a sufficient quantity of 
salt to maintain the 10 percent brine concentration in the product. 
CURED PORK BELLIES: 
Such products are assumed to be further processed into bacon. Therefore, cured pork 
bellies must meet the restricted ingredients requirement for bacon. 
CURED PORK: 
Cured pork products, that contain modified food starch, X percent solution ISP, 
carrageenan or sodium caseinate, that fall into the PFF value of “Ham, Water Added” and 
the “Ham and Water product X percent solution” category, must be labeled with the 
appropriate PFF Nomenclature, Descriptive Labeling, e.g., “ham, water and binder 
product,” will be used if: 
1. binders are at levels above those permitted by the regulations 
2. binders other than those permitted are use 
3. two or more binders are used in combination or 
4. if the PFF value of the finished product falls in the “ham” or “ham with 
natural juice” category which do not permit binders. 
CURED TURKEY THIGH MEAT: 
A product labeled “cured turkey thigh meat” (without turkey ham in the name) must 
follow the turkey ham standard. The product “cured turkey thighs” (which includes skin 
and bone), is not required to meet the standards for turkey ham and cannot be labeled 
“turkey ham.” 
CURRIED SAUCE WITH MEAT (POULTRY) AND RICE CASSEROLE: 
Product must contain at least 35 percent cooked meat or poultry meat based on the sauce 
and meat portion only.  
 
            
           
 
  
 
       
 
  
 
            
                 
             
              
              
                
        
 
  
 
              
             
  
 
     
     
     
 
              
         
 
  
 
               
         
 
 
   
 
                
               
              
              
               
          CURRY PRODUCT: 
1. Meat Curry -Must contain at least 50 percent meat (lamb, beef, etc.) 
2. Poultry Curry -Must contain at least 35 percent cooked poultry meat. 
CUTLET, BEEF: 
Beef cutlet may be chopped and formed. 
CUTLET, PORK: 
“Pork Cutlet” may consist of pork temple meat, inside masseter muscles, and small pieces 
of lean from the tip of pork jaws. These are flattened and knitted together in “cutlet” size 
products by means of “cubing” or “Frenching” machines, or by hand pounding with 
“cubing hammers.” The term “cutlet” relates to thin slices of meat. They can be 
identified as sliced pork meat product when the designation clearly states the specific part 
of the carcass from which the meat in the product is derived (e.g., “Pork Loin Cutlets”). 
All of the terms should be conspicuously displayed on labels. 
CUTLET, POULTRY: 
Poultry cutlets may be fabricated as opposed to using whole pieces of poultry meat. 
However, the term “cutlet” must be properly and distinctly qualified to describe the 
product, e.g.: 
“Turkey Cutlet From a Turkey Loaf” 
“Chicken Cutlet From Chicken Roll” 
“Turkey Cutlet, Chopped and Formed” 
Cooked poultry cutlets, which are solid pieces and contain added water, should not be 
labeled as patties. A solution statement is not needed. 
CUTLET VEAL: 
Must be a solid piece of meat from the round; slice thickness may vary. However, 
combining several thin slices to represent a single cutlet is not permitted. 
DEHYDRATED MEAT CALCULATION FACTOR: 
The fresh meat equivalent based on a given amount of dehydrated meat can be found by 
multiplying the weight of the dehydrated beef by the factor 2.8. This factor was derived 
as follows: Assuming canners and cutters grade beef was used, the composition of meat 
would be approximately 12 percent fat, 18 percent protein, 69 percent water, and 1 
percent ash. Then 100 pounds of beef, when dehydrated to 5 percent moisture, would be 
100 less 64 or 36 pounds dehydrated meat. Thus, 100 divided by 36 equals 2.8.                
              
              
    
 
   
 
              
               
          
 
    
 
             
            
             
              
     
 
  
 
              
           
                
               
              
    
 
 
 
               
 
 
    
 
               
             
             
                
            
              
             
               
                
                Assuming that the amount of dehydrated beef equivalent of 100 pounds of fresh beef is 
that quantity containing 18 pounds of protein, then 18 divided by the percentage of 
protein found by analysis of dehydrated beef would be the amount of dehydrated beef 
equivalent to 100 pounds of fresh meat. 
DEHYDRATED POULTRY CALCULATION FACTOR: 
The moist deboned cooked poultry or poultry meat equivalent based on a given amount of 
dehydrated poultry or poultry meat which can be found by multiplying the weight of the 
dehydrated poultry or poultry meat by the factor of 4.0. 
DEHYDRATED PRODUCTS WHEN WATER IS ADDED: 
Three methods are acceptable for listing dehydrated products. Listing of the ingredients 
(1) As “water, dehydrated potatoes” or “dehydrated potatoes, water,” whichever is the 
proper order, (2) As “reconstituted potatoes,” or (3) As “rehydrated potatoes.” If the 
reference was to meat instead of potatoes, the word beef, pork, or whatever was 
appropriate would be substituted for the word “potatoes.” 
DEVILED POULTRY: 
Is a semi plastic cured poultry food product made from finely comminuted poultry in 
natural proportions and containing condiments. Deviled poultry may contain poultry fat, 
provided that the total fat content shall not exceed 35 percent of the finished product and 
the moisture content shall not exceed that of the fresh unprocessed poultry. When skin is 
in excess of natural proportions, skin must be included in the product name (e.g. “Deviled 
(Kind) with (Kind) Skin Added”). 
DINNER DOG: 
A coined name - must show true product name, e.g., “A Meat and Soy Protein 
Concentrate Product.” 
DINNERS AND SUPPERS, FROZEN: 
Frozen products labeled as “dinner” or “supper” must weigh at least 10 ounces and shall 
contain at least 3 components consisting of the following: meat, poultry, cheese, eggs, 
vegetables, fruit, potatoes, rice or other cereal -based products (other than bread or rolls). 
This is not intended to include products like casseroles and stews that have all of the 
components combined. Sauces and gravies are not considered one of the components. 
They may also contain other servings of food, e.g., soup, bread or rolls, appetizer, 
beverage, and dessert, and these components may be included in the minimum 10-ounce 
net weight requirement. If meat is featured in the product name, e.g., Beef Dinner, the 
requirement is 25 percent or 2.5 ounces cooked meat. If a meat food product is featured 
in the product name, e.g., Beef Burgundy Dinner, then 25 percent or 2.5 ounces of meat                
              
                
               
              
             
      
 
                 
             
             
             
      
 
                 
                
       
 
  
 
              
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
               
              
  food product is needed. If poultry is featured in the name, e.g., Chicken Dinner, the 
standard is 18 percent or 2 ounces cooked deboned poultry meat, whichever is greater. 
However, if a poultry food product is featured in the product name, e.g., Chicken a La 
King Dinner, the 25 percent or 2.5 ounces of poultry food product, whichever is greater, 
is needed. The meat requirement for products with net weights greater than 10 ounces 
may be established exclusive of the appetizer, bread, and dessert, provided the remaining 
components weigh not less than 10 ounces. 
The name for dinner and supper products shall consist of or include a listing of each of 
the dish components in descending order of predominance by weight, for example, Fried 
Chicken Dinner -Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Peas and Carrots. Dinner or supper 
identification may appear on side panels without the complete product name shown, for 
example, “Fried Chicken Dinner” or “Beef Dinner.” 
When a dessert is one of the components of a frozen dinner or supper, i.e., a multi-
component item, it may appear out of the order of predominance in the product name and 
appear as the last component in the product name. 
DIXIE BACON: 
True product name, e.g., “Pork Jowl Dixie Bacon, Cured and Smoked” shall appear on 
the label. 
DIXIE SQUARE: 
Same as for Dixie Bacon . 
DOG FOOD: 
See: 9 CFR 355.29 
DOUGH CONDITIONER: 
A generic or class name that cannot stand alone in the ingredients statement. The term 
"Dough Conditioner" must be followed immediately by the common or usual name of all 
ingredients present.    
 
  
   
     
     
 
 
               
                
     
 
              
                
                 
               
                
              
 
 
 
                
    
 
  
 
             
              
               
 
 
  
 
               
               
              
  DRIED EGG WHITE ADDED: 
See: Wheat Gluten 
DRIED SOUP MIXES (MEAT): 
Dried meat soups are not amenable. 
Poultry - See: 9 CFR 381.15 
DRY AGED: 
Fresh Meat is held (without vacuum packing) for various periods of time (usually 10 days 
to 6 weeks) under controlled temperatures (34o F to 38o F), humidity, and airflow to avoid 
spoilage and ensure flavor enhancement, tenderness, and palatability. 
There is a difference of opinion regarding the best cooler humidity. Some prefer low 
humidity of from 70 to 75 percent so that exposed surfaces of meat remain dry. Others 
use humidity’s up to 85 to 90 percent in order to purposely develop a mold growth on 
the outside of the meat and reduce evaporation losses. Ultraviolet light may be used to 
reduce microbial load in the aging room. The number of days aged does not have to 
appear on the label when the product is identified as "Dry Aged" (e.g., "Dry Aged Beef.") 
DRY CURED: 
Product labeled as "dry cured" shall not be injected with a curing solution or processed by 
immersion in a curing solution. 
DRY MILK PRODUCTS: 
Approved dry milk items include whole dry milk, nonfat dry milk, calcium -reduced dried 
skim milk, dried whey and lactose -reduced dried whey. If nonfat dry milk is reconstituted 
prior to addition to product, it would be declared on the label as "Reconstituted Skim 
Milk." 
DRY SALT CURED: 
Dry salt cured product may contain a curing solution injected directly into the tissue but 
not through the circulatory system before it is covered with a dry curing mixture. It may 
be momentarily moistened to facilitate initial salt penetration but cannot be immersed in a 
curing solution.        
 
             
               
             
 
                  
      
 
       
 
  
 
          
 
   
 
          
 
   
 
         
 
  
 
               
  
 
    
 
       
 
    
 
        
 
   
 
              
               
 
   
 
       DUAL WEIGHT REQUIREMENT FOR STUFFED POULTRY LABELS: 
Poultry products that consist solely of bone- in poultry and stuffing, e.g., a "Stuffed 
Turkey," shall bear weight statements on the label indicating the total net weight of the 
product and a statement indicating the minimum weight of the poultry in the product. 
When a stuffed poultry product is a component of a dinner or an entree, only the total net 
weight needs to be shown on the label. 
See: Policy Memo 018A dated December 26, 1985 
DUCK, SALTED: 
This product should reach an internal temperature of 155o F. 
DUMPLINGS WITH BEEF: 
The product must contain at least 18 percent meat in total formulation. 
DUTCH BRAND LOAF: 
A nonspecific loaf that must be qualified as "Made in USA." 
EASTER NOLA: 
Salami that is made with pork that is coarsely chopped and mildly seasoned with black 
pepper and garlic. 
EGG FOO YOUNG WITH MEAT: 
The product must contain at least 12 percent meat. 
EGG FOO YOUNG WITH POULTRY: 
The product must contain at least 3 percent poultry meat. 
EGG ROLL, VIETNAMESE STYLE: 
The product must contain soy bean noodles or cellophane noodles, and fish sauce or 
anchovy extract. They are usually rolled in a thin spring roll skin or a dry rice paper skin. 
EGG ROLL WITH MEAT: 
The product must contain at least 10 percent meat.    
 
       
 
  
 
                
             
 
  
 
                
              
          
 
  
 
                
               
    
 
  
 
            
 
 
 
               
               
     
 
        
 
 
 
               
               
    
 
        
 
               
   
 
       EGG ROLL WITH POULTRY: 
The product must contain at least 2 percent poultry. 
EGGS BENEDICT: 
The product must contain at least 18 percent cured smoked ham. A poached egg on a 
toasted English Muffin, topped with a slice of ham, and covered with hollandaise sauce. 
EGGS, FRESH: 
For breakfast -type foods the egg portions may be referred to in the product name and the 
ingredients statement as “Fresh U.S. Grade A Large.” The eggs must be received in 
shells or broken and blended and not in dry or frozen form. 
EMPANADILLAS (SP): 
A turnover containing 25 percent fresh meat or poultry (raw basis). The species or kind is 
part of the product name, e.g., “Beef Empanadillas.” The product may vary in size from 
large to hors d'oeuvre size. 
EMPANADILLAS CHORIZO: 
An empanadilla that contains at least 25 percent fresh chorizo or 17 percent dry chorizo. 
ENCAPSULATION: 
An encapsulated additive, e.g., salt is an acceptable name. It does not require a sublisting 
if encapsulated in vegetable oil. If encapsulated in an animal fat, the specific animal fat 
must be identified in the ingredient statement. 
Encapsulated lactic acid starter culture does not need to be sublisted. 
ENCHILADA (SP): 
The product must contain at least 15 percent meat or 10.5 percent poultry meat. A 
Mexican type food consisting of a “tortilla” which has been filled with a variety of 
fillings and then rolled. 
The species must appear in the product name, e.g., “Beef Enchilada.” 
ENCHILADA WITH BEEF CHILI GRAVY OR ENCHILADA PREPARED WITH 
MEAT AND SAUCE: 
The product must contain at least 50 percent Enchilada.    
 
              
           
 
      
 
         
 
              
 
               
         
 
              
            
 
                
          
 
   
 
             
              
             
            
  
 
             
              
       
 
             
          
              
           
             
            
 
 
 
     
 
              
 ENCHILADA - Sonora Style: 
The product consists of two or more tortillas stacked “pancake style” with filling spread 
between each tortilla. Cheese may be mixed into the tortilla dough prior to frying. 
ENTREE (Principal Dish or Main Course): 
Product labeled entree should fall into one of the following categories: 
1. All meat or meat food product - 100 percent meat or meat food product. 
2. Meat or meat food product and one vegetable; or meat or meat food product 
and gravy - 50 percent cooked meat or meat food product. 
3. Meat and Vegetable with Gravy - 30 percent cooked meat portion; meat and 
gravy portion at least 50 percent, (e.g., Salisbury Steak with Potatoes and Gravy). 
4. Meat or Entree portion of a meal type products - 25 percent cooked meat or 
meat food product, (e.g., Meat Loaf Dinner would require 25 percent meat loaf). 
ENZYME TREATED PRODUCT: 
Product from carcasses of animals injected with papain; liver, heart, tongue, cheek and 
head meat, trimmings, boneless beef, tenderloin, tails, tripe and cuts of meat not showing 
an imprint of the roller brand reading, “tenderized with papain,” shall be properly 
identified and kept separate from other product. Kidneys must be segregated and 
properly labeled. 
When such product leaves an official establishment, the immediate container shall bear a 
label showing, in addition to the other required labeling, a statement like “tenderized with 
papain” prominently displayed contiguous to the product name. 
The establishment will furnish retail dealers handling such product with labels bearing the 
statement, “tenderized with papain” prominently displayed contiguous to the product 
name for use by such dealers on consumer packages or on product prepared from 
carcasses of animals injected with papain. Inspection personnel visiting retail markets 
should observe the effectiveness of this requirement. When retail outlets do not follow 
this identification, these facts should be immediately reported to the Food Labeling 
Division. 
ENZYME TRIMMINGS FROM ANTE -MORTEM INJECTED BEEF: 
Beef trimming from this operation may be used in fresh meat products without label 
declaration.    
 
                
             
                
            
             
               
          
 
   
  
  
 
     
 
            
               
             
            
      
 
         
 
             
             
          
            
            
          
              
               
             
          
           
 
           
              
             
             
              
                
             
               
   ENZYMES -PROTEOLYTIC: 
A 3 percent limit permitted pickup on dipped items, e.g., steak and solid pieces of meat. 
The label must declare the presence of the enzyme, e.g., “Tenderized with Papain.” 
Trimmings from this method may be used in fresh meat products up to 25 percent of the 
formula, provided the finished product is immediately frozen and that distribution is 
limited to institutional use only. The labeling record should state the conditions and 
means of inspection control. Meat from this method may be used in cooked ground beef 
products up to 25 percent of the formula without showing the ingredients of the solution. 
See: 9 CFR 317.8(b)(25) 
9 CFR 424.21 
9 CFR 381.120 
EXOTIC/NON -AMENABLE PRODUCTS -USE OF CURE AGENTS: 
Only amenable meat/poultry products can contain curing agents (i.e., nitrites etc.), with 
the exception of ratites (ostrich, rhea, emu) and squab. The prior function of nitrite and 
nitrate, according to FDA regulations, applies only to those species that were considered 
“meat” or “poultry” prior to September 1958. Therefore, amenable species that can 
contain cure agents are identified as the following: 
1. Poultry – (domesticated birds) chicken, turkey, duck, geese, and guineas. 
2. Meat – cattle, sheep, swine, and goat. Non-amenable products, such as buffalo, 
reindeer and pheasant, can not contain curing agents; such products are considered to 
be regulated under FDA regulations. However, if non-amenable products are 
included in an amenable product, curing agents would be permitted. The curing 
agents would be calculated based on both the amenable meat/poultry product and 
non-amenable meat/poultry product. For example, the formula includes 3 lbs. 
Cooked chicken and 97 lbs. buffalo. The calculation for the curing agents would be 
based on 100 lbs. of meat. In addition, in those situations where the meat block 
consists of an amenable product and a nonamenable product (refer to the example), 
the appropriate inspection legend should represent the amenable product. Therefore, 
using the example above, the label would have a poultry legend. 
Product derived from exotic/non- amenable species that contain over 3 percent raw 
meat (cattle, sheep, swine, goat, horses or other equine) are subject to inspection. The 
game meat used in these products must be derived from carcasses slaughtered under 
the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Products made with meat from exotic and 
non-amenable exotic species with 3 percent or less of meat or edible portion from 
cattle, sheep, swine, goat, horses or other equine, or up to 30 percent fat from these 
species are non-amenable provided the only reference to meat or meat byproducts on 
the labeling is in the statement of ingredients and the product name includes the term 
“flavored with (amenable species).”           
              
  
 
               
            
              
    
 
            
       
 
 
 
           
            
            
            
        
 
   
 
             
  
 
                
      
 
            
           
                
             
       
 
            
             
 
 
              
             
            
  
 
     ----Custom prepared products composed of meat from exotic/nonamenable species and 
up to 30 percent animal fat are not amenable. Labeling such products with the term 
applies (see: 303.1 (a) (2)). 
Products made with meat from game animals with 3 percent or less of meat or edible 
portion from cattle, sheep, swine, goat, or up to 30 percent meat fats provided the only 
reference to meat or meat byproducts on the labeling is in the statement of ingredients 
or referred  to as “flavored with.” 
Custom prepared products composed of meat from game animals and up to 30 percent 
animal fat. Labeling “Not For Sale” applies. 
See:  303.1 (a)(2) 
Buffalo and venison must be federally or state inspected; however, venison may also 
be produced under the supervision of inspection officials of a country approved to 
export meat products into the United States. All other meat from exotic/non -
amenable species that is used in formulating amenable products must be derived from 
carcasses slaughtered under the Food Safety and Inspection Service. 
EXTRA AND MORE THAN: 
The terms “extra” or “more (component) than” may be used provided the following 
guidelines are followed: 
(1) There is at least a 10 percent increase in the particular component of interest over the 
amount that is found in the usual  or “regular” formulation. 
(2) Information must be provided with the label application that compares the product 
formulation containing the “extra” amount of the component to the regular formulation of 
the same product to establish that at least a 10 percent increase in the component has 
occurred. Therefore, the usual or “regular” component claims at the time of label review 
must be presented  so that the necessary comparison  of formulations can be made. 
(3) In the situation where production of the “regular” product formulation ceases, the 
“extra” or “more (component) than” product labels would be given a 6-months temporary 
approval. 
(4) A comparison to a similar product on the market may be made to support the “extra” 
or “more/than” type claim, provided suitable market basket data are submitted with the 
label application that establish the similarity of formulations and show the increased 
amount  of the component over the “usual” amount. 
See: Policy Memo  118 dated October 31, 1988  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
     
  
 
    
    
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
     
   
                
       
 
   
 
                  
                
                
             
              
 
 
  
 
       FABRICATED STEAK: 
1. Steaks that include large sections or pieces of meat that are molded or shaped to form 
one large piece and then sliced.  A qualifier such as “formed” must be included in the product name. 
2. Raw fabricated steaks with added solutions must be labeled in accordance with 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2). 
3. Antioxidants are permitted. 
4. When made from simulated fat covering and or marbling, the product name must contain a truthful descriptive designation, for example, “artificially marbled -simulated fat 
covered beef steak.” 
FAJITAS: 
The Spanish translation is “little belts” or strips of meat.  Fajitas are strips of seasoned or marinated red meat or poultry meat, which have been cooked.  Red Meat Fajitas require labeling in accordance with the current policy memo for cooked red meat with added 
solutions (Policy Memo 084A).  Fajitas may also be sandwich- like product, requiring 15 
percent strips of cooked meat or poultry meat (excluding the solution above green weight), topped with onions, peppers, and sauce, and rolled in a fl our tortilla. Fajita, including the 
name of the meat or poultry, may stand alone, for example, “Beef Fajita,” “Chicken Fajita.”  
Raw meat or poultry strips with added solutions must be labeled in accordance with 9 CFR 
317.2(e)(2) or 9 CFR 381.117(h), and identified as “...for fajitas”, for example, “beef strips containing 10% of a solution of water, salt, spices, and spice extractives for fajitas.” 
FARM STYLE SAUSAGE: 
See: Country Style (Farm Style) Sausage 
FARMER SAUSAGE CERVELAT: 
Is usually a semi -dry sausage; but may be made in dry form. Usually made of equal parts 
of pork and beef delicately seasoned without garlic. 
FARMER SUMMER SAUSAGE: 
This is a special type of sausage made of beef and pork, salt, spices, nitrite or nitrate, and 
heavily smoked. It is classed as “Cervelat,” and no extenders are permitted. It is dry with 
an MPR of 1.9:1. The word “Farmer” is considered a generic term, and labels can be 
approved without any qualifying words like “Style” or “Brand.” Such labels are not 
required to bear a statement identifying the place of manufacture. The Product must be 
trichina- treated. 
FIBER PRODUCTS: 
Fiber products such as bran are acceptable only in non specific products.                
                
              
    
 
  
 
              
                  
     
 
    
 
                
            
             
 
   
 
                 
                
                
                
      
 
 
 
        
          
   
 
            
            
  
 
             
       
 
       
 
               
                
          Fiber type foods are permitted in meat and poultry products and must be identified by heir 
common or usual name, such as oat bran. However, fiber is not permitted in meat or 
poultry products, e.g., soy fiber, oat fiber, and wheat fiber. Presently, there is no 
recognized definition for fiber. 
FILLET STYLE: 
“Fillet style” must be qualified, e.g., “chunked and formed,” if the meat or poultry 
product is not made from a solid piece of meat or poultry. The term “fillet” is defined as 
a solid piece of meat or poultry. 
FLANKEN IN THE POT: 
The product must contain at least 25 percent beef. Product is made from beef plates and 
may contain such components as Matzo Balls, Noodles, and Vegetables. True product 
name, e.g., “Flanken in the Pot with Matzo Balls, Noodles and Vegetables” must be used. 
FLAVORED WITH --: 
Any product with a standard in Section 9 CFR 319 and 9 CFR 381 of the regulations 
must meet that standard and may not be designated “flavored with.” If a product does not 
meet the standard as it appears in the Policy Book it can be labeled “Flavored with.” 
“Flavored with” can be anything from over 3 percent fresh meat or 2 percent cooked meat 
to below the standard for the product. 
FLAVORING: 
Ingredients, e.g., thiamine hydrochloride, monosodium glutamate, disodium inosinate, 
disodium guanylate, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and other commonly used materials 
must be listed separately. 
Such ingredients as diacetyl, hexanal, ethyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfide, diallyl sulfide, and 
furfuryl mercaptan may be declared as artificial flavors or artificial flavorings without 
naming each. 
When spices and/or flavorings are presented on labels coming from foreign countries, the 
identity of the spices and/or flavorings must be made know. 
FOIE GRAS PRODUCTS, DUCK LIVER AND/OR GOOSE LIVER : 
Goose liver and duck liver foie gras (fat liver) are obtained exclusively from specially fed 
and fattened geese and ducks. Products in which foie gras is used are classified into the 
following three groups based on the minimum duck liver or goose liver foie gras content:  
      
 
     
       
 
 
                 
             
           
 
 
 
           
 
   
     
       
         
        
         
 
 
          
          
              
          
         
         
  
 
      
 
       
        
      
       
      
       
 
 
               
                  
            
             
         (A) FRENCH PRODUCT NAME ACCEPTABLE ENGLISH PRODUCT 
NAME 
Foie Gras d'Oie Entier Whole Goose Foie Gras 
Foie Gras de Canard Entier Whole Duck Foie Gras 
These are products in which goose liver or duck liver foie gras are the only animal tissues 
present. They may contain added substances, e.g., seasonings and cures and when truffles 
are featured in the product name, they are required at a minimum 3 percent level. 
(B) FRENCH PRODUCT NAME ACCEPTABLE ENGLISH PRODUCT 
NAME 
Foie Gras D'Oie Goose Foie Gras 
Foie Gras de Canard Duck Foie Gras 
Bloc de Foie Gras D'Oie Block of Goose Foie Gras 
Bloc de Foie Gras de Canard Block of Duck Foie Gras 
Parfait de Foie Gras D'Oie Parfait of Goose Foie Gras 
Parfait de Foie Gras de Canard Parfait of Duck Foie Gras 
These products are composed of a minimum 85 percent goose liver or duck liver foie 
gras, although “parfaits” may contain mixtures of goose liver and/or duck liver foie gras. 
These products may also contain a wrapping or stuffing consisting of the lean or fat of 
pork, veal, or poultry, pork liver, and/or aspic jelly. When these ingredients are used, 
their presence must be indicated in a product name qualifier. Truffles, when featured in 
the product name, are required at a minimum 3 percent level. 
(C) FRENCH PRODUCT NAME ACCEPTABLE ENGLISH PRODUCT 
NAME 
Pate de Foie D'Oie Pate of Goose Liver 
Pate de Foie de Canard Pate of Duck Liver 
Galantine de Foie D'Oie Galantine of Goose Liver 
Galantine de Foie de Canard Galantine of Duck Liver 
Puree de Foie D'Oie Puree of Goose Liver 
Puree de Foie de Canard Puree of Duck Liver 
These products must contain a minimum of 50 percent duck liver and/or goose liver foie 
gras and may also contain a wrapping or stuffing of the lean or fat of pork, veal, or 
poultry, pork liver, aspic jelly, extenders, and/or binders. When these ingredients are 
used, their presence must be indicated in a product name qualifier. Truffles, when 
featured in the product name, are required at a minimum 1 percent level.               
             
               
             
          
 
     
 
   
 
  
 
           
     
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
          
  
 
   
 
        
 
          
 
                    
     
 
             
       
 
           
           
        
 
              
     
 
         --In all groups, an English translation of the term “foie gras” is not required, although all 
other product name terms must be translated into English. The kinds of poultry liver(s) 
used must be indicated in the product name. Also, other species and/or binders used must 
be indicated in a product name qualifier immediately following the product name, while 
the ingredients statement must follow the product name or qualifier as the case may be. 
See: Policy Memo  076 dated September 21, 1984 
FOR FURTHER PROCESSING: 
Products that require further processing at another federally inspected plant may leave a 
federally inspected plant under one of the following conditions: 
1.  With the name of the finished product qualified by a “For Further Processing” 
statement (for example, “Turkey Ham For Further Processing”); or 2.  With a fully descriptive name. (for example, uncooked ham contains up to 30% of a 
solution of water, salt, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nit rite) 
“For Further Processing” is not acceptable on a label when a product is formulated or processed in a manner contrary to the regulations. 
FRESH,” “NOT FROZEN” AND SIMILAR TERMS WHEN LABELING MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS: 
The word “fresh” may not be used to describe: 
1. Any cured  product, e.g., corned beef, smoked cured turkey, or  prosciutto. 
2. Any canned, hermetically sealed shelf stable, dried,  or chemically preserved product. 
3. Any raw poultry, poultry part, or any edible portion  thereof whose internal 
temperature has ever been below 26 degrees Fahrenheit. 
4. Any injected, basted, marinated poultry, poultry part or any edible portion thereof 
whose internal temperature has ever been below 26 degrees Fahrenheit. 
5. Any other finished processed poultry product (including cooked poultry products) 
where its temperature has ever been below 26 degrees Fahrenheit, e.g., turkey 
sausage, chicken meatballs, cooked breaded chicken nuggets, etc. 
6. Any uncured red meat product permitted to be treated with a substance that delays 
discoloration, such as, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid,  or citric acid. 
7. Any product treated with an antimicrobial substance or irradiated.                
             
               
             
             
    
 
           
              
                 
     
 
           
              
               
       
 
          
 
  
 
    
 
    
 
          
 
  
 
        
         
                
             
   
 
    
 
            
 
 
 
                  
    
            8. The phrase “never frozen” or similar verbiage is not permitted on an unprocessed or 
processed poultry product where the internal temperature of the product has ever been 
below 0 degrees Fahrenheit or on any red meat product that has ever been frozen. 
Further, the phrase “never frozen” or similar verbiage is not permitted on refrigerated 
secondary products where the meat or poultry component has ever been frozen, e.g., 
multi-component meals, dinners, etc. 
Generally, trademarks, company names, fanciful names, etc., containing the word “fresh” 
are acceptable, even on products produced in a manner described in one through seven 
above, provided the term is used in such a manner that it remains clear to the purchaser 
that the product is not fresh. 
Secondary products, e.g., pizza, multi -component meals, dinners, etc., sold in the 
refrigerated state, i.e., not frozen or previously frozen, may be labeled as “fresh” when the 
term is used to describe the product as a whole even when made from components 
processed in a manner described in one through seven above. 
This entry cancels Policy Memo 022C dated January 11, 1989, since 022C is out of date. 
FRESH THURINGER: 
Not an acceptable name. 
FRIED NOODLES WITH PORK: 
The product must contain at least 12 percent fresh pork in total formulation. 
FRIED PRODUCTS: 
1. Frying medium need not be shown on the label. 
2. Breading is not limited to 30 percent unless breaded is in the product name. 
3. Fried chicken labels do not need to state “fully cooked” or refer to breading because 
fried denotes fully cooked and breading is expected. Fried poultry products in dinners 
are limited to 30 percent breading. 
FRIED RICE WITH MEAT : 
The product must contain at least 10 percent meat; may contain eggs and vegetables. 
FRIES: 
1. Beef testicles may be labeled as “Beef Fries.” They are not permitted to be used as an 
ingredient in meat food products. 
2. “Fries” is not a required part of the product name, “species mountain oyster.”  
 
              
              
              
            
        
 
       
 
 
 
          
 
 
 
                  
              
    
 
 
 
               
     
 
  
          
                  
        
 
                  
         
 
                
            
     
     
    
 
 
    
 
                 
         
 
     FRITTERS: 
The product must contain at least 35 percent raw red meat/poultry or red meat/poultry 
food product in the total formulation depending on the name, i.e., “Beef Fritter” must 
contain 35 percent beef and a “Chicken Patty Fritter” must contain 35 percent chicken 
patty. Fritters can contain up to 65 percent batter/breading (coating). If “breaded” is 
included in the product name, the batter/breading is limited to 30 percent. 
See: Policy Memo 089 dated May 29, 1985 
FRIZZES: 
An acceptable name. Similar to pepperoni but not smoked. MPR of 1.6:1. 
GALICIAN SAUSAGE: 
Cured beef and pork is seasoned and stuffed into beef rounds. It is then smoked at a high 
temperature. Cooling is done in a blast of air which produces a wrinkled appearance 
which is characteristic of Galician sausage. 
GELATIN: 
Gelatin is a binder/extender and is only permitted in a few meat and poultry products. 
Examples where gelatin is permitted include: 
1. non-specific products 
2. jellied products, e.g., souse, jellied beef loaf and head cheese 
3. as a covering for products such as paté, to bind two pieces of meat together and in 
products where “gelatin” would be part of the product name 
Gelatin is permitted as a thickening agent in menudo (i.e., beef tripe stew). If it is used in 
red meat paté products, its presence must be indicated by product name qualification. 
It is not permitted in products like sausage, luncheon meat, and meat loves. Gelatin is an 
acceptable ingredient in souse, jellied beef loaf, headcheese, canned whole hams requires 
qualifier if gelatin is added. 
See: MPI Manual 18.19 (b)(2) 
See: Policy Memo 121B 
GELATIN IN POULTRY ROLLS: 
If gelatin or some other binder comprises more than 3 percent of the formula, the name of 
the product must be qualified by wording, e.g., “Gelatin Added.” 
See: MPI Manual 18.19 (b)(2)   
 
               
      
 
    
 
                   
                   
         
 
                
  
 
             
              
  
 
             
      
 
      
 
                
           
       
 
                
       
 
                
    
 
          
           
           
            
           
   
 
           
                 
               
              
                GENERAL OFFICES: 
The company’s grant of inspection permits the general office address to be use din the 
signature line for any firm “doing business as.” 
GENOA OR GENOA SALAMI: 
Is a dry sausage product with an MPR not in excess of 2.3:1. It is prepared with all pork 
or with a mixture of pork and a small amount of beef. The meat is given a coarse grind 
and enclosed in a natural casing. No smoke is used in its preparation. 
GEOGRAPHIC AND RELATED TERMS (REQUIREMENTS FOR THE USE ON 
PRODUCT LABELS): 
Any label representation that expresses or implies a particular geographical origin of the 
product, or any ingredient of the product, shall not be used except when such 
representation is: 
1. A truthful representation of geographical origin, e.g., “Virginia Ham” for a ham 
produced in the State of Virginia; or 
2. A trademark or trade name which: 
a. has been so long and exclusively used by a manufacturer or distributor that it is 
generally understood by consumers to mean the product of the particular 
manufacturer or distributor, e.g., “Swiss Chalet;” or 
b. is so arbitrary or fanciful that it is generally understood by the consumer not to 
suggest geographical origin, e.g., “Moon Sausage;” or 
3. A part of the name required or allowed by an applicable Federal law, regulation or 
standard, e.g., “Frankfurter,” “Vienna;” or 
4. A name whose market significance is generally understood by consumers to connote a 
particular class, kind, type or style of product, or preparation rather than to indicate 
geographical origin of the product, e.g., “Mexican Style Dinner,” “Italian Style 
Pizza.” Such terms must be qualified with the word “style” or “type,” unless 
specifically approved by the Administrator as a generic term, e.g., “Lebanon 
Bologna,” “Genoa Salami,” Milan Salami.” 
Any geographical representation that does not meet the aforementioned guidelines should 
be qualified by the word “brand,” provided that the word “brand” is not used in such a 
way as to be false or misleading. A qualifying statement identifying the place where the 
product was actually made is required in proximity to the brand name, e.g., “Milwaukee 
Brand Bacon, Made in Chicago, Illinois.” The word “Brand” must be in the same size                  
              
 
 
      
 
  
 
              
             
           
               
              
             
           
 
          
           
        
 
     
 
          
    
    
 
              
               
           
        
         
          
 
             
        
 
   
 
             
   and style of type as the geographical term. If the product has a foreign brand name, it 
may be identified as having been made in this country, e.g., “Scandinavian Brand Bacon, 
Made in U.S.A.”. 
See: Policy Memo 068 dated February 9, 1984 
GEOGRAPHIC TERMS: 
1. Country, Ranch, and Farm in Trade, Branch and Fanciful Names: Trade names, brand 
names, or fanciful names that include the words country, ranch, or farm, e.g., 
“Country Kitchen,” “Ranch House,” “Hickory Farms,” or “Carabeef Ranch Brand” do 
not invoke section 9 CFR 317.8 of the regulations regarding the use of the term 
“Country” or “Farm”. However, if the terms are used alone in conjunction with the 
product name, e.g., “Country Stew,” then such products must be prepared in the 
country or on the ranch or farm and meet any other requirements prescribed. 
2. Southern: The term “Southern” is restricted to use only in areas south of the 
Mason -Dixon Line and east of the Mississippi River as well as Arkansas, Louisiana, 
and Missouri, which are also considered southern states. 
GERMAN POTATO SALAD WITH BACON: 
The product must contain at least 14 percent cooked bacon in total formulation. 
See: Salad -German Potato Salad 
GERMAN SAUSAGES WITH MILK: 
Whole milk is a permitted ingredient in the following meat food products when the 
ingredients statement is shown immediately under the name of the product or the milk is 
shown in a qualifying statement contiguous to the product name: Speckblutwurst, 
Kalbsbratwurst, Langblutwurst, Blutwurst, Gelbwurst, Zengenwurst, Brand Tongue and 
Blood Pudding Kalbslebenwurst. (Swiss Liver Sausage, Kalbslebenwurst should be 
considered on the same basis as Bockwurst (e.g., no limit on water or milk)). 
Milk is a characterizing ingredient in German sausages and not an extender. Products 
which contain milk should be called by their proper names. 
GIBLET GRAVY (Kind): 
Requires 7.25 percent giblets. The product must contain an equal number of livers, 
hearts, and gizzards.     
 
             
           
 
               
             
            
               
        
 
               
              
              
             
                 
              
   
 
                  
              
              
         
 
       
 
 
 
             
 
 
 
 
              
              
               GIBLETS AND/OR NECKS SOLD WITH CARCASSES: 
Poultry giblets consist of approximately equal numbers of hearts, gizzards, and livers, as 
determined on a count basis. Rabbit giblets consist of the liver and heart. 
Although often packaged with them, the neck is not a giblet. Giblet packs are expected 
within the cavities of eviscerated whole birds or eviscerated whole rabbits or when 
packaged with cut-up whole birds or cut-up whole rabbits, therefore, qualifying the 
presence of giblets is not required on labeling. However, when giblets are not expected, a 
product name qualifier is required, e.g., “Packed with Giblets.” 
In situations where parts of giblets are missing, a product name qualifier is required, e.g., 
“Parts of Giblets Missing” or “Parts of Giblets May Be Missing.” In situations where the 
giblets are missing entirely from an eviscerated carcass or a cut-up whole carcass, a 
product name qualifier is required, e.g., “Packed Without Giblets.” In addition, an excess 
of one of the giblet components can not be added to make up for another missing giblet 
component. In this case, a proper qualifying statement is required, e.g., “Packed with 2 
Gizzards, 1 Liver.” 
A neck, when not attached to the carcass of a whole bird, is also expected to be present 
within the carcass or packed with the cut-up whole carcass. Accordingly, a product name 
qualifier is not required to flag the presence of the neck. Rather, when the neck is 
missing, a product name qualifier is required, e.g., “Without Neck.” 
See: 9 CFR 381.170 (b) (21) and 9 CFR 354. (m) 
GLYCERIN: 
May not be added to any product as such; may be used in proprietary mixes. 
GOETTA: 
An oatmeal product similar to scrapple. Goetta is prepared with a formula containing not 
less than 50 percent meat and meat byproducts. The cereal component should consist of 
oats or oat products and just enough water to prevent product from sticking and burning               
    
 
  
 
      
 
      
 
              
     
 
  
 
               
             
              
               
           
 
 
 
             
               
    
 
 
 
             
 
 
 
 
               
            
                
      
 
   
 
                
      during the preparation process. The term “Old Fashioned” when noted on a label for 
“Goetta” refers to the round shape. 
GOETTINGER CERVELAT: 
A dry cervelat with no byproducts or binders. 
GOOSE LIVER OR GOOSE LIVER SAUSAGE: 
At least 30 percent cooked goose liver. When pistachio nuts are added, product name 
must be qualified, i.e., “pistachio nuts added.” 
GORDITAS, MEAT/POULTRY: 
The product must contain at least 15 percent cooked meat/poultry based on the weight of 
the total product. The “species” or “kind” gorditas name (Beef Gordita, Chicken Gordita) 
may stand alone. If other characterizing ingredients such as potatoes, rice, beans, etc, are 
included in the name, they must be reflected in their order of predominance, e.g., Beef 
and Potato Gorditas, Rice and Chicken Gorditas, as determined by the formula. 
GOTEBORG: 
A Swedish dry sausage made of coarsely chopped beef and sometimes pork. Mildly 
seasoned with thyme. It has a somewhat salty flavor and is heavily smoked, usually in 
long casings and air dried. 
GOTHAER CERVELAT: 
Originated in Gotha, Germany. Usually made of very lean pork finely chopped and 
cured. 
GOULASH: 
A stew-like product with at least 25 percent meat or 12 percent poultry meat. Unless 
designated “Hungarian,” generally means stew, whether veal, pork, beef, turkey, etc., are 
used. Product may be just meat and gravy or meat and gravy with vegetables served with 
or without rice, potatoes, or noodles. 
GOULASH, HUNGARIAN STYLE: 
The product must contain paprika and at least 25 percent meat or 12 percent poultry meat. 
May not contain noodles, potatoes or dumplings.   
 
     
   
      
     
       
   
  
  
   
    
 
     
   
  
    
 
      
  
    
 
 
 
                
       
 
  
 
               
           
 
         
 
        
 
    
 
           
 
   
 
        
 
    
 
                
 GRADE MARKS: 
Labeling of grades on species that are not officially graded, that reference US, USDA, or 
enclosed within an official shield, are not permitted (e.g., “USDA Choice pork,” or “US 
Prime pork” statements are not allowed because pork product is not graded). However, 
official grade names may be used for non- graded species products, provided they do not 
reference US, USDA, or are enclosed in or near an official grade shield. For example, 
Prime Ham or Choice Pork Shoulder . 
Grade marks for products imported from foreign countries can only use that countries grading system. Foreign countries cannot use USDA, AMS gradin g terminology, i.e., 
prime, choice, select on foreign product entering or processed in the U.S. 
The grading term “good” on poultry is considered puffery and is acceptable. 
Meat (beef, veal, and lamb) grading terms, “prime,” “choice,” “select,” may not be used immediately preceding “kind” poultry, unless the poultry is equivalent to USDA Grade A. For example, “Choice Turkey” or “Select Chicken” must come from Grade A birds. 
Graded product labeled as “Select or Higher” “Choice or Higher” are only allowed on 
wholesale labeled product, not on retail. Product intended for retail can only be labeled with one specific grade e.g., “Choice product in a Choice retail package.” 
GRAVIES: 
The product must contain at least 25 percent meat stock or broth, or 6 percent meat. 
Mono and diglycerides allowed in amount of 1 percent in gravies. 
GRAVY AND BEEF: 
The product must contain at least 35 percent cooked beef (beef same size lettering as 
gravy). For 25 percent cooked beef (beef lettering no larger than one-half size gravy). 
GRAVY AND DRESSING WITH PORK OR GRAVY AND PORK WITH DRESSING: 
The product must contain at least 14 percent cooked pork. 
GRAVY AND POULTRY SALISBURY STEAK : 
Not more than 65 percent gravy and at least 35 percent poultry salisbury steak. 
GRAVY AND SWISS STEAK: 
The product must contain at least 35 percent cooked meat. 
GRAVY AND YANKEE POT ROAST: 
The product must contain at least 35 percent cooked beef. Beef is cooked with or without 
vegetables.   
 
     
 
  
 
               
               
         
 
               
              
          
 
      
 
    
 
              
   
 
                  
               
         
 
                  
               
         
 
                
              
                
               
 
 
      
 
     
 
            
            
             
             
               
              
 
 
       
 GREEK SAUSAGE: 
The product must contain orange peel. 
GROUND BEEF: 
May not contain added fat. Maximum total fat 30 percent. Cheek meat is permitted up to 
25 percent and must be declared in the ingredients statement. For more than 25 percent, 
show as “Ground Beef and Cheek Meat,” all the same size. 
Beef of skeletal origin, or from the diaphragm or esophagus (weasand) may be used in the 
preparation of chopped beef, ground beef, or hamburger. Heart meat and tongue meat as 
organ meats are not acceptable ingredients in chopped beef, ground beef, or hamburger. 
See: Policy Memo 027 dated June 15, 1981 
GROUND BEEF CHUCK AND ROUND: 
Product to be labeled “Ground Beef Chuck” or “Ground Beef Round” must comply with 
the following guidelines: 
1. “Ground Beef Chuck” must be derived from all or part of the primal part of the beef 
carcass commonly referred to as the “Beef Chuck,” except as provided for in 3. The 
product must comply with the fat requirements of 9 CFR 319.15(a). 
2. “Ground Beef Round” must be derived from all or part of the primal part of the beef 
carcass commonly referred to as the “Beef Round,” except as provided for in 3. The 
product must comply with the fat requirements of 9 CFR 319.15(a). 
3. Generally, shank meat may be added but may not exceed the natural proportion of the 
beef carcass, which is considered to average 6 percent. Higher quantities of shank meat 
may be used if the shank meat remains attached during the cutting and boning of the 
boneless chuck or round, or if the processor can demonstrate that a higher percentage is 
applicable. 
See: Policy Memo 091 dated September 16, 1985 
GROUND BEEF -Hamburger and Soy Products: 
Combinations of ground beef or hamburger and soy products may be descriptively 
labeled, e.g., “Hamburger and Textured Vegetable Protein Product” or “Ground Beef and 
Isolated Soy Protein Product” if the combination product is not nutritionally inferior to 
hamburger or ground beef. If the combination products are nutritionally inferior, they are 
to be labeled as Imitation Ground Beef (or Imitation Hamburger) or Beef Patty or Beef 
Patty Mix in accordance with Section 9 CFR 317.2(j)(1) and Section 9 CFR 319.15(c) 
respectively. 
See: Policy Memo 016B dated August 18, 1994   
 
        
 
  
 
               
      
 
 
 
           
                
   
 
 
 
                  
                 
          
             
                
  
 
 
 
                
             
   
 
    
 
              
   
 
    
 
         
 
  
 
      GUM ARABIC: 
May be used up to 2 percent in breading and batter mixes. 
GUM TRAGACANTH : 
A carrier and stabilizer in liquid spice extractives not to exceed 0.1 percent in finished 
product. Not permitted in sausage products. 
GUM -Vegetable: 
Spice extractive products which employ vegetable gums as emulsifiers have been 
approved. The addition of vegetable gum is limited to no more than 15 percent in the 
seasoning blend emulsion. 
GUMBO: 
A Creole word for okra. It is now recognized as meaning a dish or a soup thickened with 
okra. To qualify, the dish must have okra as an ingredient. Either the soup or the stew 
standard would apply, depending on product name (“Chicken Gumbo”). Product 
identified as “Creole Style Gumbo” does not contain okra, however, it must contain 
a roux (flour, milk, or water, etc.) or gumbo file (dried powder young leaves and leaf 
buds of sassafras). 
GYROS: 
Products identified with this term must contain at least 65 percent meat and no more than 
12 percent extenders and binders. Examples include gyro loaf, gyro cone, gyro portions, 
and gyro slices. 
HALAL AND ZABIAH HALAL: 
Use of the terms, “Halal and Zabiah Halal” on labeling requires certification by an 
appropriate third party authority. 
HAM A LA KING: 
Must contain at least 20 percent ham (cooked basis). 
HAM AND BACON LOAF: 
There is a limit of 3 percent water in this product.    
 
             
 
 
   
 
        
  
   
 
        
 
      
 
       
 
  
 
              
                 
  
 
 
 
             
      
 
   
 
        
 
   
 
       
 
  
 
             
             
                
                  
             
               HAM AND CHEESE LOAF: 
Nonspecific loaf. Cheese is chopped into small cubes and combined with finely ground 
ham. 
HAM AND CHEESE SALAD: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent ham (cooked basis). 
See: Salads 
HAM AND CHEESE SPREAD: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent ham (cooked basis). 
HAM AND DUMPLINGS AND SAUCE OR GRAVY: 
Product must contain at least 18 percent cooked ham. 
HAM, BOILED: 
A fully cooked, boneless product which must be cooked in water and may be processed in 
a casing or can. The product may be of various shapes and may be partially cooked in 
boiling water. 
HAMCOLA: 
Not an acceptable product name; should be accompanied by true product name, i.e., 
“Boneless Cooked Ham Coated with Spices.” 
HAM CAPACOLLA, COOKED: 
Ham that has been cured and then cooked. 
HAM CHOWDER - CONDENSED: 
Product must contain at least 10 percent cooked ham. 
HAM -COOKED -SECTIONED AND FORMED: 
The qualifying phrase “sectioned and formed” is no longer required on boneless ham 
products, e.g., “ham” and “ham -water added.” The addition of small amounts of ground 
ham added as a binder to such products may be used without declaration. The amount of 
ground ham that may be used can represent no more than 15 percent of the weight of the 
ham ingredients at the time of formulation. Products containing more than 15 percent 
ground ham trimmings must be labeled to indicate the presence of the ground ham, e.g.,              
         
 
      
      
 
              
              
      
 
  
 
              
     
 
   
 
                  
              
       
 
  
 
              
              
              
           
 
  
 
       
 
    
 
             
               
            
    
 
      
 
              
                  
   “a portion of ground ham added.” Policies regarding the required use of terminology 
such as “chunked and formed” and “ground and formed” will continue. 
See: Policy Memo 023 dated February 10, 1981 
Policy Memo 041B dated February 15, 1991 
Whole hams require a cooking temperature to differentiate the ready to eat products from 
trichinae treated products. The reason that the temperature is required is to determine the 
label requirements (e.g., safe handling) and proper serving size. 
HAM CROQUETTES: 
Product must contain at least 35 percent cooked ham. If chopped ham is used, the 
product name must be “Chopped Ham Croquettes.” 
HAM, FRESH (or uncured): 
Ham that does not contain a cure must be labeled either “Fresh” or, if the ham meets the 
requirements of 9 CFR 319.2, “Uncured.” This also applies to cooked product, and must 
be labeled cooked product “Cooked Uncured Ham.” 
HAM HALF: 
“Half Ham” is permitted on labels for semi -boneless ham products which during their 
processing have had the shank muscles removed. The two halves of the finished product 
have approximately an equal amount of bone. The term “No Slices Removed” has also 
been deemed suitable for use with a ham item referred to as “Half Ham.” 
HAM OMELET: 
Product must contain at least 18 percent cooked ham. 
HAM/PARMA HAM/PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA: 
Ham, when labeled “Parma Ham” and/or “Prosciutto di Parma,” would have to be 
produced in the region of Parma, Italy, in accordance with Italian Law, which defines the 
denomination of origin, the territorial limits of production, characteristics of the product, 
and the method of manufacture. 
HAM, QUARTER, SEMI -BONELESS (No Slices Removed): 
The product consists of a ham prepared as a “Regular Semi -Boneless, Half Ham” which 
is sectioned again to result in four pieces just about equal not only in weight but also in 
content of bone.    
 
       
 
  
 
               
    
 
  
 
   
 
           
 
  
 
                 
                   
             
             
          
 
  
 
       
 
  
 
               
                 
   
 
     
 
                   
                  
              
             
    HAM ROLL SAUSAGE: 
Ham trimmings and ham shank meat are permitted. 
HAM SALAD: 
Product must contain at least 35 percent cooked ham. Chopped ham may be used without 
it appearing in the product name. 
See: Salads 
HAM, SCOTCH STYLE: 
A cured, uncooked, boned, and rolled whole ham either tied or in a casing. 
HAM, SHANKLESS: 
When the term, “shankless” is used in reference to a ham, it indicates that the shank has 
been removed by a cut through the joint at a right angle to the femur bone. The distal tip 
of the semitendinous muscle may be severed above its tendinous attachment, leaving an 
extension approximately 2 inches long. The extension is considered an integral part of 
the ham's body and is usually folded over the femur's end. 
HAM SHORTCAKE: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent cooked ham. 
HAM TRIMMINGS: 
Ham trimmings, to be labeled as ham, cannot contain excess shank meat. The fat content 
will not exceed 35 percent. It will consist of at least 65 percent lean meat as determined 
by chemical analysis. 
HAM, WESTPHALIAN OR WESTPHALIAN STYLE HAM: 
Ham is cut with bone in, the hip bone cut out, cured in a combination of dry and pickle 
cure but not a pickle alone. It is smoked in a medium warm (no greater than 100o F.) 
smokehouse until a shining red brown or chestnut color is acquired. Beechwood may be 
used and will impart the characteristic Westphalian flavor. Other hard woods are also 
acceptable. Juniper berries are permitted.   
 
             
             
   
 
       
 
     
 
             
              
              
          
            
            
 
      
 
           
              
  
 
 
 
               
                
                  
              
                 
         
 
               
   
 
 
 
 
           
            
         HANDLING STATEMENTS: 
Acceptable handling statements, in addition to those required in sections 9 CFR 317.2(k) 
and 9 CFR 381.125, include “Keep Refrigerated -May be Frozen” or “Keep 
Refrigerated -Can be Frozen.” 
See: Policy Memo 014 dated September 12, 1980. 
HANDLING STATEMENTS ON RETORTED PRODUCTS: 
Handling statements may appear on labels for shelf stable product, even though such 
product does not have to be refrigerated or frozen, and provided the statement will 
accurately reflect conditions of distribution and sale. These products are to be handled in 
the plant as shelf stable items including incubation and condition -of-container 
examinations. Once the product is refrigerated or frozen for shipment, distribution, and 
display for sale it is to be handled as a refrigerated or frozen item. 
See: Policy Memo 104 dated February 13, 1987 
The statement “previously handled frozen for your protection, refreeze or keep 
refrigerated” is now acceptable on poultry products under the usual restriction of use for 
such statements. 
HEAD MEAT: 
After removal of the cheeks, lips, snout, skin, and tongue from the head there remains 
small pockets and areas on the skull to which muscle tissue is attached. This muscle may 
be removed and used in product and declared on labeling as beef or pork as the case may 
be. However, there are a few standardized products in which the regulations limit the 
amount of this meat that may be used and require that it be specifically declared on the 
label (e.g., chili, chili with beans, and corned beef hash). 
See: Beef Cheek Meat and Beef Head Meat (use and labeling as an ingredient in 
meat Food Products) 
HEADCHEESE: 
A jellied product consisting predominantly of pork byproducts and seasoning ingredients. 
It must contain some product from the head. Extenders like cereal, soy derivatives, 
nonfat dry milk, etc., are not permitted ingredients of headcheese.  
 
     
  
      
       
     
 
    
 
                
            
      
 
 
 
             
                
   
 
    
 
              
       
 
          
 
          
 
           
 
                       
     
 
      
 
 
   
 
               
              
 HEARTS: 
Beef and Pork Hearts that include the heart cap are considered meat by -products defined 
in 9 CFR 301.2.  They may not be labeled as “beef,” “pork,” etc. in an ingredients 
statement. When used in a product, they must be identified by species, for example, “ Beef 
Hearts.”  Hearts that include the heart cap may be considered meat only for the purpose of 
calculating the meat to textured vegetable protein ratios. 
HEAT AND EAT SAUSAGE: 
Not the same as Brown and Serve Sausage. When the “heat and eat” term is used, 
product must comply with cooked sausage regulations, e.g., limitation of 10 percent 
added water and not more than 3 1/2 percent binder. 
HICKORY SMOKED: 
“Hickory flavored” ad “hickory taste” are acceptable terms on products that have been 
smoked with some hickory in the sawdust. They do not need to be smoked with 100 
percent hickory smoke. 
HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP (HFCS): 
HFCS may be used to flavor meat or poultry products in amounts sufficient for its 
intended purpose, provided the following conditions are met: 
1. HFCS must contain not less than 40 percent fructose on a solids basis. 
2. HFCS must have a dextrose equivalence (D.E.) of not less than 93. 
3. HFCS must have a sweetening power greater than or equal to sugar (sucrose). 
4. HFCS must be identified on the label as High Fructose Corn Syrup in the 
ingredients statement, curing statement, etc. 
See: Policy Memo 035 dated October 27, 1981 
HOLSTEIN OR HOLSTEINER: 
Product is the same as FARM STYLE SAUSAGE , except that it is stuffed into wide 
casings and heavily smoked, usually in long casings, and air dried. No extenders are 
permitted.    
 
          
 
       
 
            
 
            
              
                 
    
 
              
                    
 
 
                
     
 
   
 
            
 
              
 
             
              
      
 
                
  
 
             
      
 
            
 
         
 
             
             
  
 
                
  HONEY CLAIM IN PRODUCT: 
A honey claim may be made or implied on a product label if: 
1. The product contains at least 3 percent honey. 
2. Honey contains at least 80 percent solids, U.S. grade C or above. 
3. When other sweeteners, (sugar, dextrose, maltose, invert sugar, corn syrup solids, 
and similar ingredients) are used, the quantity may not exceed one-half that of the 
honey, e.g.. If 3 percent honey is used, then no more than 1 1/2 percent of all 
other sweeteners may be used. 
4. Product to be identified as “Honey Glaze” must contain honey to other sweeteners 
at a ratio no less than 2:1. If dried honey is used, the ratio is to be no less than 
1.6:1. 
5. When honey is included in a breading, a honey claim may be made regardless of 
the quantity of honey used. 
HONEY CURED OR SUGAR CURED: 
“Honey Cured” may be shown on the labeling of a cured product if: 
(1) the honey used contains at least 80 percent solids or is U.S. grade C or above; 
(2) honey is the only sweetening ingredient or when other sweetening ingredients are 
used in combination with honey, they do not exceed one-half the amount of honey 
used; and honey barbecue touch of honey 
(3) honey is used in an amount sufficient to flavor and/or affect the appearance of the 
finished product. 
Traditionally, cured products which are labeled to indicate the presence of honey, e.g. 
Honey ham, must meet the parameters prescribed herein. 
“Sugar Cured” may be used on the labeling of a cured product if: 
(1) the sugar used is cane sugar or beet sugar; 
(2) sugar is the only sweetening ingredient or when other sweetening ingredients are 
used in combination with sugar, they do not exceed one-half the amount of sugar 
used; and 
(3) sugar is used in an amount sufficient to flavor and/or affect the appearance of the 
finished product.              
 
        
 
              
             
             
         
 
               
    
 
      
 
   
 
               
         
 
     
 
      
 
    
 
             
 
 
   
 
               
               
         
 
  
 
                
            
                 
             
            
               
                 
           “Honey and Sugar Cured” or “Sugar and Honey Cured” may also be used on labeling if: 
(1) the honey and sugar are of the nature described above; 
(2) the honey and sugar are the only sweetening agents or when other sweetening 
ingredients are used in combination with the honey and sugar, they do not 
individually exceed either the amount of honey or sugar used and collectively do 
not exceed one-half the total amount of honey and sugar; and 
(3) the honey and sugar are used in amounts sufficient to flavor and/or affect the 
appearance of the finished product. 
See: Policy Memo 038 dated December 16, 1981 
HORS D'OEUVRE (Snack): 
Product must contain at least 15 percent cooked meat or 10 percent bacon (cooked basis). 
True product name must be shown, e.g., “Puffed Pastry Wrapped Frank.” 
HOT DOG CHILI SAUCE WITH MEAT: 
Product must contain at least 6 percent meat. 
HOT DOG CHILI WITH MEAT: 
Product must contain at least 40 percent meat. Sausages and bologna rework not 
permitted. 
HUNAN STYLE SEASONED PORK: 
Acceptable for pork shoulder sliced into one inch pieces and marinated in a solution of 
soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, cooked and returns to green weight. The product may be 
flavored with other seasoning ingredients, e.g., star anise and coriander. 
HYDROLYZED BEEF STOCK: 
A beef stock which has been treated with acid, alkali, or enzymes to digest the protein. 
The protein molecules are broken down into amino acids, peptides, polypeptides, and 
peptones. As the digestion is carried out for longer periods of time, more and more of the 
larger molecules are broken down into amino acids, with free alpha- amino groups. By 
analyzing these alpha- amino nitrogens one can determine the degree of hydrolysis. 100 
percent hydrolysis would mean that all the nitrogen (protein) is in the form of amino 
acids. 10 percent of hydrolysis would mean that only 10 percent of the nitrogen is in the 
form of free amino acids, while the rest is still present in polymeric form.                
   
 
     
  
 
              
             
              
    
 
  
 
             
            
                 
                 
                
     
 
               
      
 
  
 
             
                   
           
 
  
 
             
           
            
 
 
               
       
 
 
   
 
             
          
 
      The label should indicate the degree of hydrolysis. This is determined from the ratio of 
amino nitrogen to total nitrogen. 
amino nitrogen = percent hydrolysis 
total nitrogen 
A product labeled 50 percent Hydrolyzed Beef Stock must, therefore, have 50 percent of 
the total nitrogen present as amino nitrogen. Adding percent solids is optional. The 
percent solids would not necessarily be the same percent as hydrolysis depending on the 
thickness (consistency) of product. 
HYDROLYZED GELATIN: 
Hydrolyzed gelatin is permitted in frankfurters and similar products (9 CFR 319.180) at 
levels typically used for flavorings (less than 2 percent). Hydrolyzed gelatin may 
currently be used a 2 percent in 9 CFR 319.180 and like products as a flavoring. If 
gelatin is used in a product, make sure it is permitted for use in the product. Hydrolyzed 
gelatin is acceptable in poultry franks 9 CFR 319.180 and like products at levels not to 
exceed 2 percent of total formula until otherwise notified. 
Hydrolyzed gelatin is recognized as a binder rather than flavoring and may be used at 
levels of 2 percent or less in 9 CFR 319.180 type products. 
HYDROLYZED OAT FLOUR: 
Hydrolyzed oat flour is safe and may be used in non-standardized meat/poultry products 
as a binder at below typical binder use levels, i.e., 3 percent. It may be used in low fat 
hamburger, water, and hydrolyzed oat flour product as per Policy Memo 121. 
HYDROLYZED PROTEIN: 
“Hydrolyzed Protein (milk, egg, soy)” is an acceptable common or usual name provided 
all components are hydrolyzed. “Hydrolyzed Protein (potato, gelatin)” is an unacceptable 
ingredient declaration and must be declared as “hydrolyzed potato protein and hydrolyzed 
gelatin.” 
Salt is present in hydrolyzed protein and must appear in the sublisting of the hydrolyzed 
protein if it does not appear elsewhere in the ingredients statement. 
HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE (HPMC): 
Emulsifying agent, binder, thickener, and a stabilizer. This is accepted for its emulsifying 
qualities when prepared as a solution and applied as a dip. 
1. Not more than 2 percent in solution.        
 
         
   
        
 
     
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
    
 
 
   
 
                 
                
            
 
 
  
 
            
              
              
              
         
             
              
            
 
  
 
            
              
               
       
 
                 
              2. Not more than 4 percent weight gained in product. 
3. Not more than .08 percent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in 
finished product. 
4. Must be identified in the ingredients statement for purpose. 
5. Approved on individual basis only. 
ICE GLAZES WITH FLAVOR: 
If an ice glaze component contributes to the flavor profile of the product, the ice glaze 
coating must be counted toward the total net weight of the finished product.  In addition, the product name must contain a descriptive designation for the coating and coating percentage in accordance with 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2) or 381.117(h), for example, “raw chicken breast filets with rib meat conta ining up to 16% of a solution of water seasonings and salt and 
coated with 6.5% butter garlic seasoning.” Or, if the same solution is used for injection (or by any other method of incorporation) and for the ice glaze coating the percentages may be combined, for example, “chicken breast filets with rib meat, containing and glazed with up to 22.5% of a solution of water, salt, seasonings, and garlic.” 
ICE-GLAZED BREADED CHICKEN NUGGETS: 
If an ice glaze is applied for the purpose of setting the breading, the term “ice glazed” 
needs to appear in close contiguous to the product name. The water cannot be included as 
part of the net weight statement and the transmittal form should indicated this. 
IMITATION FLAVORS: 
Imitation beef flavor, imitation mushroom flavor, flavor base for gravies and similar 
substances which enhance, fortify, or help to simulate a flavor are usually composed of 
food additives and, as such, are not “artificial flavors” for labeling purposes. This class 
of imitation flavors can be composed of such ingredients as flour, fats, oils, salt, 
hydrolyzed vegetable protein, vegetable gums, thiamine hydrochloride, beta alanine, 
disodium inosinate, glutamic acid, and a host of other ingredients. These flavorings must 
be identified on labels by showing each individual ingredient by its common name. Class 
names, e.g., amino acids are not acceptable. Each specific amino acid must be listed. 
INCIDENTAL ADDITIVES: 
As defined in the Food and Drug Administration regulations (21 CFR 101.100(a)(3)), 
incidental additives are substances present in foods at insignificant levels and that do not 
serve a technical or functional effect in that food. In determining whether a substance is 
an incidental additive, the following criteria may be applied: 
1. Substances that are present in a food as a result of having been present in an 
ingredient added to the food and have a technical or functional effect on the      
 
      
 
             
    
 
           
              
     ingredient but not on the finished food, or 
2. Substances that are processing aids, defined as: 
a. substances added during processing but removed before the food is packaged in 
its finished form, or 
b. substances added during processing but that are converted to constituents 
normally present in the food, and do not significantly increase the amount of those 
constituents naturally found in the food, or                 
              
       
 
  
 
          
         
         
 
 
            
         
      
 
              
             
          
          
            
           
 
             
          
 
      
       
 
       
 
      
 
   
 
             
             
             
             
              
     
 
             
             
               
       c. substances that are added to a food for their technical or functional effect in the 
processing but are present in the finished food at insignificant levels and do not 
have any technical or functional effect in that food. 
INGREDIENT LABELING: 
1. All ingredients in FDA standardized products, e.g., Cheddar Cheese (Water, salt, 
cheddar, etc.), and on standardized products, e.g., Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, 
require complete disclosure of all ingredients on the labels of meat and poultry 
products. 
2. Protein hydrolysates must identify the common and usual names and identify the 
source from which the protein is derived, e.g., “hydrolyzed vegetable protein” would 
be declared as “hydrolyzed corn protein.” 
3. FDA certified color additives require the listing of the common or usual names, e.g., 
FD&C Blue No. 1, Blue 1, or Blue 1 Lake. Color additives not subject to certification 
may be declared as “artificial color,” “artificial color added,” or “color added.” 
Alternatively, color additives not subject to certification may be declared as “colored 
with ,” or “ color,” with blank space filled in with the name of the 
color additive listed in 21 CFR 73, e.g., “colored with annatto” or “caramel color.” 
4. Cured meat products used as ingredients, regardless of their level of use, require 
complete disclosure of all ingredients in the formulation of meat and poultry products. 
See: FSIS Directive 7237.1, Rev. 1, “Labeling of Ingredients” 
FSIS Directive 7140.1, Rev. 1, “Questions and Answers Relating to Ingredients” 
INSERT LABELS FOR USE AT RETAIL STORES: 
No inspection legend is permitted on insert labels. 
INSPECTION LEGENDS (DUAL): 
Products consisting of mixed meat and poultry ingredients shall bear either the official 
meat inspection legend or poultry legend, depending on which ingredients are present in 
the greater amounts. If meat or poultry ingredients exist in equal proportions, either 
official legend may be used. If meat and poultry ingredients exist in exact proportions 
and both appear in the product name, the official legend must reflect the ingredient 
appearing first in the product name. 
Containers of products intended for sale to household consumers can bear only the 
official mark of inspection of the product enclosed. Containers of products intended for 
distribution to other than the retail trade may bear both the official meat inspection legend 
and the official poultry products inspection legend.        
 
    
 
                 
     
 
 
 
            
 
  
 
            
                
           
        
 
  
 
             
              
               
                 
                
             
                
            
             
     
 
  
 
            
             
    
 
   
 
  
 
             
            
             
      See: Policy Memo 075 dated August 14, 1984 
INSPECTION MARK ON WING TAG: 
When the inspection mark is shown on a wing tag, either the plant number or the firm's 
name and address must also appear. 
INTESTINES: 
Intestines can be prepared as edible product and bear the mark of inspection. 
IRISH STEW: 
Product does not require a geographical qualifying statement nor the words, “Style,” 
“Type,” or “Brand.” Usually it contains lamb or mutton but beef may be used. It must 
meet the stew standard. Vegetables include onions, carrots, potatoes, and turnips. 
Dumplings are often used. Beans are not acceptable in “Irish Stew.” 
ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN: 
This food ingredient is similar to soy protein concentrate except that additional extraction 
has removed more of the non-protein fraction, thereby increasing its protein content. It is 
prepared by alkaline solubilization of the soy protein and then precipitation of same in an 
acid bath. It may be powdered, extruded, or spun into fibrils and has a protein content of 
90 to 95 percent. Products of spun fibrils may be referred to as “Textured Soy Protein 
Isolate,” “Isolated Soy Protein Fibers,” or “Spun Isolated Soy Protein.” The PER of 
isolated soy protein is about 1.9 and indicates a poorer quality protein than that of soy 
flour or soy protein concentrate (PER 2.2). When hydrated textured (structured) protein 
isolate is added to meat food products, the ingredients statement should read “Hydrated 
Textured (Structured) Isolated Soy Protein.” 
ITALIAN SAUSAGE: 
Beef and pork Italian sausage is acceptable. Tomato products and other unexpected 
ingredients can be added if the product name indicates their presence. Red pepper 
permitted under 9 CFR 319.145(b)(1). 
See: 9 CFR 319.145 
ITALIAN STYLE: 
Acceptable term for products containing anise or fennel or Italian type cheese (e.g., 
Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone, Ricotta, Romano) or at least three of the following: 
basil, garlic, marjoram, olive oil, or oregano. Sausage products must meet the Italian 
Sausage requirements as per Regulation 9 CFR 319.145.     
 
                 
            
     
 
 
 
                
                 
 
 
 
 
              
                
          
           
      
 
  
 
                
             
    
 
 
 
              
                
                
               
       
 
     
     
     
 
  
 
                
              
              
     
 
 
  ITALIAN STYLE SMOKED SAUSAGE: 
This is a smoked sausage (10 percent added water) and is not a 9 CFR 319.145 (Italian 
sausage) product. However, the product must contain Italian style ingredients found in 
the policy book under Italian style. 
JAGWURST: 
The product is the same as yachtwurst (The Americanized name for the item). It is a 
cooked sausage made from a fine emulsion with cubes of lean meat rather than fat (as in 
mortadella). 
JAMAICAN STYLE: 
Term may be used to identify meat and poultry food products made with allspice, garlic, 
onion, red pepper, and thyme. The name of the product must be further qualified with a 
statement, like “with Jamaican Style Seasoning,” e.g., “Jamaican Style Chicken 
Wings -with Jamaican Style Seasonings.” If the product formula contains textured soy 
product, then the ration rules apply. 
JAMAICAN STYLE PATTIES: 
Product has at least 25 percent meat enclosed in a crust. The label must show true 
product name, e.g., “Beef Turnover.” If the formula contains textured soy product, then 
the ratio rules apply. 
JAMON: 
Spanish word for “ham.” In the usage of Spanish-speaking people outside Spain, it has 
come to mean cured pork. “Jamon di Cocinar” is cured pork for cooking as opposed to 
slicing. When the term “Jamon” appears before the name of a limb, it means the product 
is cured. With the exception of products available for sale in Puerto Rico, all Spanish 
product names followed with the English translation. 
Examples of acceptable product names are: 
Jamon de Paleta - Cured Pork Shoulder 
Jamon de Pierna - Cured Pork Leg 
JARDINIERE (FR): 
Must contain at least 50 percent cooked meat based on total product. It means “in the 
manner of the gardener.” The term applies to dishes made with diced garden vegetables 
which have been cooked with meat. Jardiniere should be followed by a true product 
name, e.g., “Beef with Vegetables.”     
 
     
 
   
 
 
 
     
  
    
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
                  
                
               
 
 
                
            
          
             
     
 
           
    
 
             
        
 
              
             
            
              
 JERK OR JERK STYLE: 
The terms “JERK” or “JERK STYLE” can be used to describe red meat or poultry whole 
muscle, fabricated products, and other meat poultry food products that are mixed or placed 
in a “spicy seasoning.”  The seasoning usually contains scallion, onion, thyme, allspice 
(pimento), hot peppers, and usually contains at least one or more of the following: nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar, garlic, and rice or wine vinegar.  The seasoning may be in the form of paste, marinade, sauce, or dry seasoning mixture.  The product is mixed or placed in the spicy hot seasoning raw or the product may be grilled, cooked, or smoked. 
Examples of acceptable product names are, for example, “Oven Roasted Jerk Chicken”, “Jerk Pork Sausage” or “Jerk Style Smoked Beef Sausage.” 
Raw “jerk” or “jerk style” meat or pou ltry products with added solutions must be labeled in 
accordance with 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2) or 9 CFR 381.117(h), for example, “Jerk Style Beef 
containing 10% marinade of water and spicy seasoning.” 
JERKY: 
All Jerky products must have a MPR of 0.75:1 or less; “species” or “kind” must be in the 
name. Products may be cured or uncured, dried, and may be smoked or unsmoked, air or 
oven dried. A reference to the particular type of drying method is not a labeling 
requirement. 
1. “Beef Jerky” - Produced from a single piece of beef. May also be classified as 
“Natural Style Beef Jerky” provided this product name is accompanied by the 
explanatory statement “made from solid pieces of beef” or comparable 
terminology. When a “Natural” claim (not natural style) is made, the policies as 
outlined in Policy Memo 055 are to be applied. 
2. “Beef Jerky Chunked and Formed” - Produced from chunks which are molded and 
formed and cut into strips. 
3. “Beef Jerky Ground and Formed or Chopped and Formed” - Produced as 
described, molded and formed and cut into strips. 
4. Jerky products that contain over 3½ percent binders (2 percent ISP) must reflect 
the binder in the product name, i.e., “Beef Soy Protein Concentrate jerky, ground 
and formed. Jerky products that contain binders at levels below 3½ percent 
should express the binder in a qualifying statement, e.g., beef jerky -soy protein 
added.               
             
         
           
                 
             
              
       
 
          
 
   
 
             
   
 
  
 
                
            
 
 
 
 
                
            
              
             
 
 
 
         
 
 
 
               
               
               
            
      
 
 
 
             
            
          5. “Species (or Kind) Jerky Sausage.” The word “Jerky” can appear on labels for 
product in which the “species” or “kind” has been processed by chopping or 
grinding and stuffed into casings under the following conditions only: 
a. The word “Sausage” must appear immediately contiguous to “Jerky” whenever 
it is shown. “Sausage” must be in type at least one-third as high as “Jerky” in the 
same color ink and on the same background. The words “stick,” “piece” etc. 
cannot be used as substitutes for “sausage” in the product name. “Sausage” 
means that the product has been chopped. 
b. The product may be dried at any stage of the process. 
JUNIOR MEAT SNACKS: 
Product must conform to the sausage standards going into the jar before processing. 
Limited to 3 1/2 percent extenders. 
JUNIPER BERRIES: 
Juniper berries and twigs are normally thrown on the fire from which dry cured hams are 
smoked. Juniper berries have been approved in the curing ingredients of Westphalian 
Ham. 
KABOBS: 
Product consists of chunks of red meat or poultry and vegetables placed on a metal or 
wooden skewer. “Kabob” may be included in the descriptive name, e.g., “Beef, 
Mushrooms, and Onion Kabob.” A kabob may be cooked or uncooked, but the label 
must clearly indicate this. This product may contain but does not require vegetables. 
KALBELWURST: 
Product is similar to Bockwurst with no limit on water or milk. 
KATRIFITAS: 
A coined word used to describe a type of empanadillas. The product consists of dough 
containing yucca made to resemble a meat turnover and has a special meat filling. The 
product must contain at least 25 percent raw meat (beef) in total formulation. Label must 
include a true product name in conjunction with “Katrifitas,” e.g., “Katrifitas, Beef 
Turnover made with Yucca Shell,” or similar wording. 
KELCO -GEL: 
A thickening agent used in sauces. It contains sodium alginate, calcium carbonate, and 
disodium phosphate. The amount of disodium phosphate in the finished product is 
approximately 0.099 percent. Its use should be judged on an individual basis.     
 
             
       
 
 
 
            
          
             
            
              
            
      
 
              
                 
              
            
   
 
  
 
                  
 
 
     
 
              
 
 
            
            
          
 
            
             
          
              
  KIDNEYS FROM ENZYME INJECTED BEEF: 
Product may be exported to other countries. They must be labeled “Beef Kidneys, 
Tendered with Papain -For Export Only.” 
KIELBASA: 
A sausage that is cured, cooked, and usually smoked. Kolbassy is Czechoslovakian 
spelling; other variations include Kielbassy, Kolbasa and Kolbase. Kielbasa is made 
from coarsely ground pork or coarsely ground pork with added beef or mutton. 
“Hungarian Style Kolbase” is finely ground product, seasoned and stuffed into casings. 
The 70/30 rule can be used, however, pork must always be the predominant meat 
ingredient. “Beef Kielbasa” is prepared with only beef as the meat ingredient. 
Byproducts are not permitted ingredients in these sausages. 
An uncured (fresh), uncooked variety, with no more than 3 percent water exists. “Fresh” 
shall be used in the name when the product is uncured. When fresh Kielbasa is cooked or 
smoked, then cooked or smoked is required in the product name. The requirements of 
Policy Memo 110 apply when these perishable, cooked, uncured products are packaged in 
hermetically sealed containers. 
KIPPERED BEEF: 
A cured dry product similar to beef jerky but not as dry. MPR of 2.03:1 is applied to 
product. 
KISKA; Kisba, Kishka, or Stuffed Derma . 
Ingredients statement is part of the product name. A meat food product prepared two 
ways: 
1. Prepared with meat byproducts, including beef blood, pork snouts, pork livers, 
pork cheeks, etc. Packaged in fully labeled retail size packages or individually 
banded. When beef blood is used, it must be shown as part of product name. 
2. Prepared with more than 30 percent animal fat, mixed with farinaceous 
(consisting of or made of flour or meal) materials containing no other meat 
byproducts and ordinarily stuffed into beef casings and cooked. Product 
containing 30 percent or less fat is not considered amenable to the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act.  
 
               
               
      
 
  
 
            
             
               
            
 
 
 
 
           
 
 
  
 
              
        
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
               
      
 
 
 
            
                
              
             
                
 KNISHES: 
Product must contain at least 15 percent cooked meat or poultry or 10 percent bacon 
(cooked basis). Same as snack standard. The type of meat or poultry should be identified 
in a true product name, e.g., “Chicken Knishes.” 
KONJAC FLOUR: 
Food ingredient that provides the effects of thickening, gelling, texturizing, and water -
binding, e.g.,”binder,” similar to that of starch vegetable flours, such as potato flour. 
Konjac flour can be used in meat and poultry products in which starch vegetable flours 
are permitted, e.g., 3.5 percent in cooked sausage products such as frankfurters and 
bologna. 
KOSHER: 
Use of the term, “Kosher” on labeling requires certifications by an appropriate third party 
authority. 
KOSHER (Product Containers): 
Containers must be labeled “Kosher tags attached” when used for hearts, livers, and other 
products or tissues with attached metal tags indicating kosher inspection. 
KRAKOW: 
Acceptable name for a cooked sausage similar to “Berliner.” 
KREPLACH: 
Product must contain at least 20 percent meat. The type of kreplach should be identified 
in a true product name, e.g., “Beef Kreplach.” 
KUBBEE: 
Other acceptable names are: Kubbe, Kibbe, Kabeda, Kilin, Kibbes, Kibby, Kabbo, or 
Kabe.” A product popular in Syria and Lebanon. It must contain at least 25 percent meat 
based on total formulation; it must contain soaked cracked wheat and show the true 
product name, e.g., “Fried Cracked Wheat and Beef Balls,” “Baked Stuffed Wheat and 
Beef Patty.” Products may be shaped like a hamburger and fried or shaped into balls and 
fried.  
 
               
              
    
 
 
 
           
 
   
 
             
     
 
           
 
       
 
           
 
       
 
         
 
           
 
 
           
          
         
          
     
 
            
    
 
        
 
    
 
                 
               
              
          
              KUEMMELWURST: 
An acceptable name. The product is the same as Carawaywurst and is a cooked sausage 
of the ring variety, with whole caraway seeds. Usual ingredients are beef, pork, salt, 
caraway, flavorings, and cure. 
KURMA: 
Product must contain at least 50 percent meat or at least 35 percent poultry meat. 
LABELING, CHECK -OFF BLOCKS: 
The use of check -off blocks on immediate containers for identifying products that look 
alike but are different in composition is not permitted. 
Examples of product that may look alike but are different in composition are as follows: 
Ground Beef and Beef Patty Mix 
Partially Defatted Chopped Beef and Partially Defatted Beef Fatty Tissue 
Frankfurters and Frankfurters with Variety Meats 
Finely Ground Chicken and Finely Ground Chicken Meat 
Comminuted Chicken and Comminuted Chicken With Kidney and Sex Glands 
Removed 
However, exceptions to this policy may be granted. Exceptions would require that the 
establishment operators develop a procedure which the assigned inspector can readily 
monitor to ensure correct labeling. Such procedures, accompanied by written comments 
from the assigned inspector and where possible, the circuit supervisor, must be forwarded 
to the area supervisor for review and approval. 
Approved procedures must be attached to the label records accompanying new or 
modified labels submitted for approval. 
See: Policy Memo 083A dated May 12, 1988 
LABELING FOR SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS: 
If a product fails to comply with a standard only because the meat or poultry content is 
lower than required and the product has generic identity as a nonmeat product (e.g., pizza, 
stew, pies), then the product may be designated by the nonmeat terminology in the 
standardized name (e.g., “PIZZA,” “STEW,” “PIE”), provided the meat/poultry content 
of the product is conspicuously disclosed contiguous to the product name along with a             
           
             
             
               
                  
             
            
    
 
               
         
 
      
 
       
 
             
             
            
                   
             
              
                  
             
             
           
           
           
                
           
              
              
               
             
            
                  
          
        
             
               
             
           statement of the amount of meat/poultry in the standardized product. (For example, 
PIZZA (contains 5 percent sausage; SAUSAGE PIZZA contains 12 percent sausage.) 
Such product may not be nutritionally inferior to the standardized product it resembles. 
For this purpose, nutritional inferiority is defined, consistent with the requirement of 21 
CFR 101.3(e)(4), as any reduction in the content of an essential nutrient that is present at 
2 percent or more of the U.S. RDA per serving of protein or any of the vitamins or 
minerals for which U.S. RDAs are established. A quality control procedure must be 
approved for such products by the Processed Products Inspection Division before the 
label can be used. 
If a product is nutritionally inferior to the standardized product it resembles, it must be 
labeled “imitation” in accordance with 9 CFR 317.2(j) and 9 CFR 381.1(b). 
See: Policy Memo 069 dated March 23, 1984 
LABELING OF PRODUCTS WITH GROUND OR EMULSIFIED TRIMMINGS: 
The addition of small amounts of ground or emulsified ham trimmings, beef trimmings, 
or poultry trimmings to these products may be used without declaration. However, if 
poultry skin  is being used  to  produce poultry trimmings, it may not exceed natural 
proportions as prescribed in 9 CFR 381.117 and 381.118 of the Poultry Products 
Inspection Regulations. The amount of ground or emulsified trimmings that may be used 
can represent no more than 15  percent of the fresh or green weight of the ham, beef, or 
poultry block at the time of formulation (e.g., 85 lbs. intact muscle and 15 lbs. of 
trimmings). These trimmings may be from a different process, however, they must be 
derived from like cuts or parts, e.g., emulsified round trimmings injected into product 
called "Boneless Roast Beef Round," emulsified breast meat trimmings injected into 
product called "Boneless Roasted Turkey Breast," or emulsified chuck trimmings injected 
into product called "Cooked Roast Beef" derived from the beef chuck. The information 
pertaining to the source of trimmings and cut of product being used must be indicated in 
the product formulation on label submittals. Emulsified trimmings consist of suspending 
ground trimmings in a curing solution or other solutions (i.e., that impart flavor) through 
the use of a mechanical emulsifier, then injecting the liquid suspension directly into the 
whole muscle portion of the hams, beef roasts, or poultry products. The emulsified 
suspension must be used during the same day of production. Furthermore, a written 
proposal outlining processing procedures for injecting the suspensions of ham, beef, or 
poultry trimmings into the boneless product must be submitted by establishments, 
through appropriate inspection channels, to the Processed Products Inspection Division, 
Science and Technology, for review and approval. Such approval is a prerequisite 
for label use. Products containing more than 15 percent ground trimmings or emulsified 
trimmings must be labeled to indicate the presence of the ground ham, beef or poultry 
trimmings added or emulsified ham, beef or poultry trimmings being injected, e.g., "A 
Portion of Ground Ham Added," "Emulsified Beef Added," "Ground Poultry Trimmings            
            
       
 
        
        
 
 
          
            
                
                
             
               
             
            
             
              
                
         
 
          
              
             
             
             
               
              
                  
                 
              
            
              
            
               
              
             
 
 
          
            
              
           
           
              
            Added," or "Emulsified Beef Trimmings Added." Policies regarding the required use of 
terminology such as "chunked and formed" and "ground and formed" will continue. 
See: Policy Memo 041B dated February 15, 1991 
LABELING OF MODIFIED BREAKFAST SAUSAGE, COOKED SAUSAGE, AND 
FERMENTED SAUSAGE PRODUCTS IDENTIFIED BY A NUTRIENT CONTENT 
CLAIM: 
Modified breakfast sausage, cooked sausage, and fermented sausage products are 
substitute versions of the standardized or traditional products that have been formulated 
and processed to reduce the fat contents to qualify for use of nutrient content claims, but 
do not comply with the standard of identity or composition as described in the meat and 
poultry regulations or the Standards and Labeling Policy Book (Policy Book) because of 
the use of ingredients used for fat replacement which are precluded or restricted by these 
standards. The deviation from the standard or the traditional, i.e., “regular product,” is 
conveyed by associating an expressed nutrient content claim for the appropriate reduction 
in fat content and the standardized or traditional product name, e.g., “Reduced Fat 
Frankfurter” or “Low Fat Pepperoni.” The nutrient content claims that may be used are 
those related to a reduction in fat contents that are identified in the regulations for meat 
products in 9 CFR Part 317 and for poultry products in 9 CFR Part 381. 
Maintaining Product Integrity: The following guidelines must be applied to assure that the 
modified versions of the subject meat and poultry sausage products do not violate the 
integrity of the standardized or traditional product for which they purport to be 
substitutes: (1) the product must be similar in shape, flavor, consistency, and general 
appearance to the product as prepared according to the regulatory or traditional standard, 
(2) the meat or poultry used to formulate the modified product must come from the same 
anatomical location when the standardized term is related to an anatomical region on an 
animal, e.g., “ham” is expected to be from the hind leg of the hog and cured; thus, “lean 
smoked ham sausage” would be comprised of meat from the hind leg of a hog that has 
been smoked and cured, (3) the modified sausage product must result from the same 
processing procedures as those specified for the subject sausage products described by 
regulatory or Policy Book standards, (4) there must not be deviations from product safety 
criteria (e.g., salt content, curing agents, pH, water activity and/or moisture/protein ratio) 
that are provided in the regulatory or Policy Book standards for sausages, and (5) the 
modified product must achieve the appropriate reduction in fat content to be eligible to 
use a nutrient content claim in conjunction with the standardized or traditional product 
name. 
Performance Characteristics : In producing modified, substitute versions of sausages, the 
deviations from ingredient provisions of the regulatory and Policy Book standards should 
be the minimum necessary to qualify for the nutrient content claim while maintaining the 
performance characteristics similar to the standardized or traditional product, i.e., similar 
preparation, cooking, and handling characteristics. If a modified version of the 
standardized or traditional sausage does not perform in substantially the same way as the 
standardized or traditional item, the label must include a prominent statement informing              
               
            
            
      
 
            
              
              
             
              
              
    
 
              
             
                 
              
            
               
               
   
 
             
              
              
             
            
            
              
 
 
           
            
               
            
          
            
             
            
             
   
 
      the consumer of such differences. For example, a “low fat frankfurter” that essentially 
has all of the characteristics of a frankfurter, but cannot be grilled, would indicate “not 
recommended for grilling.” A “reduced fat pepperoni” that displays essentially all the 
characteristics of pepperoni, but cannot be cooked, would, for example, indicate “not 
recommended for cooking” or “do not cook.” 
Safe and Suitable Ingredients : A modified, substitute sausage product must be formulated 
with approved safe and suitable ingredients, e.g., those identified in 9 CFR 424.21, and 
those determined to be safe and suitable by the Food Standards and Ingredients Branch, 
Product Assessment Division. Such ingredients are to be used at the lowest level 
necessary to achieve the intended effect of reducing fat as compared to the standardized 
or traditional product. Safe and suitable ingredients are those used to replace fat, improve 
texture, and prevent syneresis. 
An ingredient or component of an ingredient that is specifically required by the regulatory 
or Policy Book standard for characterizing purposes, e.g., cheese in a cheesefurter, fresh 
livers in liver sausage, cured ham in a ham sausage, and fennel or anise in an Italian 
sausage, shall be present in the required amount, if applicable, or otherwise in a 
significant amount to provide a characterizing identity to the product. Moreover, an 
ingredient or component of an ingredient that is not permitted by regulations for use in 
any meat or poultry sausage product, e.g., sodium benzoate, shall not be added to a 
modified, substitute product. 
Product Identity : The name of the modified version of the standardized or traditional 
product that complies with all parts of the policy prescribed herein is the appropriate 
expressed nutrient content claim for the meat and/or poultry product with a reduction in 
fat content and the applicable standardized or traditional term, e.g., “Lean Sausage,” “97 
percent Fat-Free (or “Low Fat”) Kielbasa,” “Low -Fat Frankfurter Made with Beef, Pork 
and Turkey,” “Reduced Fat Pepperoni,” “Extra Lean Turkey Italian Sausage,” and “Lite 
Genoa Salami.” The size and style of type must conform to the nutrition labeling 
regulations. 
Ingredients Statement : To assist the consumer in differentiating between the standardized 
or traditional sausage product and the modified, substitute version, ingredients that are 
not provided for by regulatory or Policy Book standards, or used in excess of the 
allowable levels specified, must be appropriately identified with an asterisk in the 
ingredients statement. The statement(s) defining the asterisk(s), e.g., “*Ingredient(s) not 
in regular “(fill in name of the standardized or traditional product), or 
“*Ingredients(s) in excess of amount permitted in regular “(fill in name of the 
standardized or traditional product), or both as appropriate, must be legible and 
conspicuous, and shall immediately follow the ingredients statement in the same size and 
style of type. 
See: Policy Memo 123 dated January 20, 1995       
 
               
                 
    
 
              
               
     
 
               
              
       
 
                
              
   
 
       
 
        
      
 
            
           
             
             
             
           
 
              
               
              
            
               
             
             
          
  
 
             
            
             
            
            
              LABELING OF MEAT AND POULTRY STICK ITEMS: 
Stick items such as beef jerky, pepperoni sticks, and beef sticks must be labeled (i.e., 
contain the required label features as outlined in 9 CFR 317 and 9 CFR 381, Subpart N) 
according to the following guidelines: 
1. If sold in fully labeled bulk containers, i.e., canisters, caddies, or similar containers, 
stick items do not have to be fully labeled unless they are individually wrapped. This 
type of container cannot be reused. 
2. If sold in bulk containers, i.e., canisters, caddies, or similar containers that are not 
fully labeled , stick items must be fully labeled. Bulk containers such as these may 
only be refilled with fully labeled product. 
3. If sold in small, fully labeled cartons, boxes, or similar containers (e.g., 3 oz., net 
weight) that are only intended for retail sale intact, stick items may be individually 
wrapped and unlabeled. 
See: Policy Memo 111 dated June 6, 1988 
LABELING OF MODIFIED SUBSTITUTE VERSIONS OF FRESH (SPECIES) 
SAUSAGE, HAMBURGER OR GROUND BEEF PRODUCTS: 
This policy allows modified versions of fresh (species) sausages, ground beef, or 
hamburger to contain non-meat or poultry, “fat-replacing ingredients” (e.g., binders such 
as carrageenan, modified food starch) and to be identified by certain nutrient content 
claims in accordance with nutrition labeling regulations effective on August 8, 1994, in 
conjunction with descriptive labeling, e.g., “Lean Pork Sausage with a X percent Solution 
of ...,” or “Low Fat Ground Beef, Water, and Carrageenan Product.” 
This policy allows for the use of terms defined in regulations, e.g., “Lean,” “Reduced 
Fat,” “Low Fat,” etc., to be used to describe fresh (species) sausage, ground beef, or 
hamburger products with a reduction in fat content resulting from the use of added 
ingredients (i.e., “fat replacers” such as carrageenan and isolated soy protein). These 
products must meet the criteria for use of the nutrient content claim associated with the 
fat reduction. The nutrient content claim may be used in conjunction with the 
standardized name provided the consumer is informed of the actual components of the 
product through labeling, i.e., descriptive product name, ingredients statement, and 
Nutrition Facts. 
Meat products, including those that meet the criteria established for claims, such as 
“Lean,” “Low Fat,” “Lower Fat,” “Reduced Fat,” etc., that combine fresh (species) 
sausage, ground beef, or hamburger, and other safe and suitable ingredients, for the 
principal purpose of replacing fat, may be descriptively labeled. Examples of such 
products are “Lean Ground Beef, Water, and Carrageenan Product,” “Low Fat Ground 
Beef With a X percent Solution of ...,” “Lean Beef Sausage, Water, and Carrageenan            
               
             
              
             
          
              
             
    
 
          
              
  
 
               
           
           
             
             
                 
           
                
               
             
   
 
              
             
               
              
        
 
            
   
 
             
               
             
          
 
       
 
        
 
                
               Product,” or “Reduced Fat Pork Sausage, Water, and Binders Product,” provided 
conditions prescribed in the regulations, viz., 9 CFR 317, for use of the nutrient content 
claim are satisfied. In contrast, modified versions of fresh (species) sausage, ground beef 
or hamburger product containing added ingredients that do not qualify for use of a 
nutrient content claim prescribed in the nutrition labeling regulations must be labeled as 
Imitation Pork Sausage, Imitation Beef Sausage, Imitation Ground Beef, Imitation 
Hamburger, Beef Patty or Beef Patty Mix in accordance with 9 CFR Section 317.2(j)(1) 
and Sections 9 CFR 319.141 (Fresh pork sausage), 319.142 (Fresh beef sausage), and 
319.15 (Miscellaneous beef products), respectively. 
Descriptively labeled, modified, substitute versions of fresh (species) sausage, ground 
beef, or hamburger product with a reduction in fat content must comply with the 
following guidelines: 
1. The descriptive name of a modified, substitute product with a reduction in fat content 
is the applicable nutrient content claim used in conjunction with the appropriate 
standardized name and fat-replacing ingredients, e.g., “Low Fat Ground Beef, Water 
and Carrageenan Product,” or “Lean Pork Sausage with an X percent Solution of 
Water, Modified Food Starch, Spices, and Salt.” Words in the descriptive name may 
be of a different size, style, color, or type but, in all cases, the words must be 
prominent, conspicuous, and legible. Moreover, no word in the descriptive name 
should be printed in letters that are less than one-third the size of the largest letter 
used in any other word in the descriptive name. The solution statement, when used, is 
considered to be part of the descriptive product name and must comply with 
descriptive name sizing requirements. 
2. Fat-replacing ingredients (e.g., binders and water) and fat in the finished product may 
not exceed 30 percent of the product as formulated for the modified, substitute ground 
beef, hamburger, or fresh beef sausage product, and no more than 40 percent of the 
product formulation for the substitute fresh pork sausage. The fat content must be in 
accordance with requirements for use of the applicable nutrient content claim. 
3. The product includes mandatory nutrition labeling prescribed in the meat inspection 
regulations, viz., 9 CFR 317. 
4. The product is formulated with approved safe and suitable ingredients, e.g., those 
identified in 9 CFR 424.21(c)(4), and which are determined to be safe and suitable by 
the Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, that are used at the lowest level 
necessary to achieve the intended effect as a fat-replacing ingredient (i.e., binder). 
See: Policy Memo 121B dated January 20, 1995 
LABELING OF PRODUCT NAMES, FANCIFUL NAMES, WORD SIZE: 
Words in product names or fanciful names may be a different size, style, color, or type, 
but in all cases, the words must be prominent, conspicuous, and legible. Moreover, no                 
                
                
            
 
              
                
                 
              
                 
                
           
      
 
       
 
         
     
 
  
 
   
  
  
    
    
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
   
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
        
 
 
              
             
                   word in a product name, i.e., a common or usual name, a standardized name, or a 
descriptive name should be printed in letters that are less than one-third the size of the 
largest letter used in any other words of the product name. The same guidelines apply to 
letters of words in fanciful names that may accompany the product name. 
For example, for a product labeled Chili Mac--Beans, Macaroni and Beef in Sauce, “Chili 
Mac” is the fanciful name and “Beans, Macaroni and Beef in Sauce” is the product name. 
No letter in “Chili Mac” may be smaller than one-third the size of the largest letter in 
“Chili Mac.” Similarly, no letter in the descriptive name may be smaller than one-third 
the size of the largest letter in the descriptive name. This policy is not intended to address 
the relative size of words in fanciful names versus product names. The size of words in 
qualifying statements, e.g., “Water Added,” “Contains up to ...,” “Smoke Flavoring 
Added,” etc., are not affected by this policy memo. 
See: Policy Memo 087A dated September 16, 1985 
LABELING OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING MEAT WITH ADDED SOLUTIONS OR 
OTHER NONMEAT INGREDIENTS IN SECONDARY PRODUCTS: 
In those situations where meat containing an added solution or other nonmeat ingredients, 
for example, Ham -Water Added, Cooked Corned Beef and Water Products, Uncooked 
Beef -Containing up to 10% of a solution of water, salt, and sodium phosphate, are used in 
secondary products in sufficient quantities to meet the minimum meat requirement without including the added solution, or nonmeat ingredients, the product name need not include any reference to the added solution or nonmeat ingredients; for example, Corned Beef and Cabbage would be an acceptable name for a product if the corned beef portion of the corned beef and water product was present in a sufficient quantity to satisfy the 25 percent cooked corned beef requirement.  The ingredients statement, however, must include nomenclature as required by the regulations or policy (see also 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2) and 084A (Cooked Red 
Meat Products Containing Added Substances) ). In this example, the ingredients statement 
would list “Cooked Corned Be ef and Water Product -X percent of added ingredients are . . . 
.” 
For products in which the added solution ingredient as a whole is used to meet the 
minimum meat requirement, the product name must contain The appropriate nomenclature (i.e., descriptive designation for raw read meat products or containing statement for cooked red meat products above green weight) for the added solution component, for example, a product made with cooked beef with solution above green weight named “Beef (containing up to 10% of a flavoring solution) Burgundy”.  The ingredients statement must also include the same nomenclature for the added solution meat ingredient. 
See: Policy Memo 102 dated January 6, 1987 (The Labeling of Products Containing Meat 
with Added Solutions or Other Nonmeat Ingredients in Secondary Products) 
LABELING OF PRODUCTS 
WHICH INCLUDE PACKETS OF OTHER 
COMPONENTS: 
Wording indicating that the product contains, in addition to the meat or poultry product, 
another component, e.g., a gravy, sauce, or seasoning packet must appear in conjunction 
with the name of the product in such a manner that it is obvious to the purchaser that he                
                 
               
            
                
      
 
      
 
        
 
               
            
   
 
     
 
              
 
 
              
 
          
           
       
 
      
 
        
       
 
             
             
            
            
            
             
            
   
 
                  
 
 
              
              or she is also purchasing that packet along with the meat and/or poultry product. The 
wording must be shown in print no smaller than one-third the size of the largest letter in 
the rest of the product name, of such color that will insure it not being overlooked at point 
of purchase, and positioned contiguous to the rest of the product name, so as not to appear 
in whole or part on any panel except the main display panel. The net weight individual 
components may be shown but are not required. 
See: Policy Memo 099 dated September 2, 1986 
LABELING OF SAFE THAWING INSTRUCTIONS ON CONSUMER PACKAGES: 
Thawing instructions which appear on the label of a frozen meat or poultry product must 
be given in accordance with FSIS' recommendations for safe thawing procedures. These 
procedures are as follows: 
1. Thawing product in the refrigerator. 
2. Thawing product in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until product is 
thawed. 
3. Thawing product in a microwave oven for less than 2 hours. Cook immediately. 
Upon request, alternative thawing procedures may be considered. However, scientific 
evidence which thoroughly establishes the safety of an alternative thawing procedure 
must be presented with the procedure when it is submitted for review. 
See: Policy Memo 119 dated September 28, 1989 
LABELING PROMINENCE GUIDELINES FOR CURED, COOKED PRODUCTS WITH 
ADDED SUBSTANCES THAT DO NOT RETURN TO GREEN WEIGHT: 
The cured, cooked products covered by sections 9 CFR 319.100 (“corned beef”), 319.101 
(“corned beef brisket”), 319.102 (“corned beef round and other corned beef cuts”), and 
319.104(a) (“cured pork products” under PFF) of the Federal meat inspection regulations; 
and by Policy Memos 057A (“Labeling Turkey Ham Products Containing Added Water”) 
and 084A (“Cooked Corned Beef Products and Cured Pork Products with Added 
Substances”), whose weights after cooking exceed the weight of the fresh uncured article, 
shall bear the product name and qualifying statements on the principal display panel using 
the following guidelines: 
(1) The product name and the qualifying statements must be prominent and 
conspicuous. 
(2) The label will bear the product name on the principal display panel in lettering not 
less than one-third the size of the largest letter in terms commonly associated with            
            
 
                
                
             
            
              
         
 
             
 
              
         
 
           
        
 
               
              
             
    
 
      
 
       
       
 
             
              
             
            
              
                 
             
                 
                
                
                
           
            
 
      
 
  
 
       the product name, e.g., cooked, boneless, chopped, pressed, smoked, or words 
which could be a part of the product name, e.g., steak, butt portion, shank portion. 
(3) The product name will be judged prominent if the lettering is of the same style 
and color, and on the same color background as that which is used for the terms 
commonly associated with the product name or words which could be a part of the 
product name (see guidelines (2)). If other styles, colors, and/or backgrounds are 
used, the prominence must be judged equal to those terms and words which could 
be associated with or part of the product name. 
(4) The product name must be distinct and separate from other label 
information. Thus, the product name should not be part of or embedded in qualifying phrases 
or descriptions that include a list of added solution ingredients. 
Examples of acceptable terminology are “Corned Beef and Water Product” and 
“Cured Pork and X percent of a Solution.” 
(5) The label for the products covered by this policy memo must also bear qualifying 
statements that conform to established policies on the size of the lettering in these 
statements in relation to product name (as outlined in Policy Memo 087A, FSIS 
Directive 7110.2, and Policy Memo 057A). 
See: Policy Memo 109 dated October 8, 1987 
LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR PUMP -CURED BACON PRODUCTS TREATED 
WITH D- OR D1-ALPHA- TOCOPHEROL IN SURFACE APPLICATIONS: 
Pump -cured bacon treated on the surface with d- or d1-alpha-tocopherol must be labeled 
with a product name qualifier which identifies the substances involved and the method of 
application. The qualifier must identify both the carrier and active substance in their 
order of predominance. The specific names, d- or d1- alpha -tocopherol, or the term, 
Vitamin E, may be used in the name qualifier. Examples of acceptable name qualifiers 
are “Sprayed with a solution of vegetable oil and Vitamin E” or “Dipped in a solution of 
corn oil and d-alpha-tocopherol.” The name qualifier must be contiguous to the product 
name and printed in a style as prominent as the product name. The type used for the 
statement must be at least one-fourth the size of the most prominent letter in the product 
name, except that the ingredients of the mixture may be in print not less than one-eighth 
the size of the most prominent letter in the product name. The specific name of the 
ingredients, d-alpha-tocopherol or dl- alpha -tocopherol, and of the carrier must be listed as 
such in the ingredients statement or curing statement, as required by 9 CFR 317.2(f)(1). 
See: Policy Memo 105 dated April 13, 1987 
LAMB CURRY: 
Product must contain at least 50 percent fresh meat.  
 
                    
           
 
  
 
           
              
               
            
     
 
    
 
          
            
 
      
 
  
 
                
        
 
 
 
              
       
 
       
 
        
       
         
    
     LANDJAEGER CERVELAT: 
A semi -dry sausage that originated in Switzerland. It is about the size of a large 
frankfurter but pressed flat, smoked and dried giving it a black appearance. 
LARD CONTINUOUS PROCESS: 
This nomenclature identifies the commodity produced from clean and sound edible 
tissues of swine by a low-temperature separation process in which the oil is separated 
from the fatty tissue by means of a combination of heat and centrifugal force. Labeling 
records containing the above designation should identify in detail the process and 
equipment used in producing the commodity. 
LARD -CURED PORK TISSUE USE: 
Cured pork trimmings may be rendered to produce lard manufactured in compliance with 
the lard and leaf lard standard. Rendered bacon is not acceptable in lard. 
See: Policy Memo 052 dated September 15, 1982 
LARD REFINED: 
This term is applied to  open- kettle rendered, prime steam, or dry-rendered lard put 
through a filter press, with or without bleaching agent. 
LASAGNA: 
Sauce is an expected ingredient of lasagna products and its declaration in the product 
name is optional. Cheese Lasagna with meat: 12 percent meat 
Lasagna with Meat and Sauce: 12 percent meat 
Lasagna with Meat Sauce: 6 percent meat in total product 
Lasagna with Poultry: 8 percent poultry meat 
Lasagna with Tomato Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni: 8 percent pepperoni 
Meat Lasagna: 12 percent meat 
Poultry Lasagna: 8 percent poultry meat   
 
                
               
   
 
  
 
                
                   
         
 
 
 
             
             
             
             
              
     
 
      
 
              
       
 
 
 
       
 
      
 
       
   
 
 
          
           
           
 
 
       LAU - LAU: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent meat. A Hawaiian dish made with pork and fish, 
wrapped in taro leaves. Label must have a true product name, e.g., “Pork and Fish 
Stuffed Taro Leaves.” 
LEBANON BOLOGNA: 
A coarse ground, fermented, semi -dry sausage. If the product has a MPR of 3.1:1 or less 
and a ph of 5.0 or less, no refrigeration is required. It is made with beef. No extenders or 
hearts are permitted in the product. This is not a 9 CFR 319.180 product. 
LEGENDS: 
Products consisting of mixed meat and poultry ingredients shall bear either the official 
meat inspection legend or poultry legend, depending on which ingredients are present in 
the greater amounts. If meat or poultry ingredients exist in equal proportions, either 
official legend may be used. If meat and poultry ingredients exist in exact proportions 
and both appear in the product name, the official legend must reflect the ingredient 
appearing first in the product name. 
LENTIL SOUP WITH BACON - German Style: 
Acceptable name for a lentil soup containing only bacon. The bacon requirement is 4.0 
percent for condensed and 2.0 percent for ready to eat. 
LEONA: 
An acceptable name. A coarse ground cooked sausage. 
LIMA BEANS WITH HAM OR BACON IN SAUCE: 
Product must contain at least 12 percent ham or bacon. 
See: 9 CFR 319.310 
LINGUICA: 
A Portuguese type sausage containing pork and excluding other meat and meat 
byproducts. Usually contains nonfat dry milk and condiments, e.g., vinegar, cinnamon, 
cumin seed, garlic, red pepper, salt, and sugar. Paprika and cures are acceptable in this 
product. 
See: Policy Memo 015A dated June 22, 1981  
 
     
 
          
 
             
            
   
 
             
            
      
 
            
           
         
 
  
 
        
 
  
 
      
 
  
 
      
 
    
 
      
 
 
 
          
            
             
               
  
 
               
  LINKS: 
This designation falls into four categories: 
1. “Links” without further qualification refers to an all pork fresh sausage in links. 
2. “Links Sausage” can be used to designate any sausage type formulation usually 
cured and smoked in links, except for those formulations containing poultry. (See 
Policy Memo 030A.) 
3. “Links cereal and nonfat dry milk added” usually formulated with meat and meat 
byproducts cured and smoked, and approved with the understanding each link is 
banded with an approved band label. 
4. “Links, A pork and textured vegetable protein product” followed immediately by 
the ingredients statement is acceptable. “Links,” “Top's Links,” “Joe's Links” are 
coined names and must be followed immediately by true product name. 
LITTLE SMOKIES: 
A smoked small variety sausage link made with beef and pork. 
LIVER AND ONIONS: 
Product must contain at least 45 percent liver. 
LIVER, CHOPPED: 
Product must contain at least 50 percent liver. 
LIVER, ONIONS AND EGGS: 
Product must contain at least 40 percent liver. 
LIVER PRODUCTS: 
The product name does not have to include the species for multi-ingredient liver products, 
such as chopped liver, liver pate, and pureed liver. However, the species must be 
identified in the ingredients statement. For single ingredient liver products, such as sliced 
beef liver, the species must be identified in the product name. “Kind” liver must always 
be identified. 
Products with liver in the name (except for products listed) must contain a minimum of 
30 percent liver.    
 
            
      
 
        
 
          
 
 
 
                 
            
             
          
 
   
 
      
 
        
 
               
             
    
 
           
 
              
 
 
    
 
             
        
 
  
 
             
             
               
               
    LIVER SPREAD (STREICH LEBERWURST): 
The product name “Liver Spread (Stretch Leberwurst)” is acceptable. Product name must 
contain at least 30 percent liver in total formulation. 
LIVERWURST OR “PATE DE FOIE -STYLE LIVERWURST”: 
Product must meet liver sausage requirements. (See Regulation 9 CFR 319.182) 
LOAF: 
A “Loaf” (other than meat loaf) consists of meat in combination with any of a wide range 
of nonmeat ingredients. These products are not identified with the term “Meat 
Loaf,””Beef Loaf,” or the like but with designations, e.g., “Olive Loaf,” “Pickle and 
Pimiento Loaf,” “Honey Loaf,” “Luxury Loaf,” and others that are descriptive. 
LOAF, CANNED, PERISHABLE: 
Canned perishable products in the loaf category must: 
1. Meet the perishable requirements. (See 9 CFR 317.2(k).) 
2. Show a brine concentration of not less than 3.5 percent in finished product. Show 
a brine concentration of not less than 6.0 percent when the products contain 
cereal, starch, or other extenders. 
3. Be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of at least than 150o F. 
4. When extenders are added the product name must be qualified, e.g., “(Name of 
extender) added.” 
LOLA AND LOLITA (IT): 
Dry sausage products of Italian origin. Consists of mildly seasoned pork and contains 
garlic. Lolita comes in 14 oz. links, while Lola comes in 2 1/2 lb. links. 
LONDON BROIL: 
Name can only be applied to a cooked product. Products including the expression 
“London Broil” on labels must be prepared with beef flank steak. Uncooked product 
must be labeled to indicate this, e.g., “Beef Flank Steak for London Broil.” If prepared 
from another cut, the identity of that cut must accompany the term “London Broil,” e.g., 
“Sirloin Tip London Broil.”    
 
   
 
 
 
               
            
  
 
    
 
              
           
 
             
                
                 
             
      
 
      
 
 
 
               
      
 
   
 
              
                 
    
 
  
 
           
      
 
              
           
     
 
             
             
             LONG ISLAND STYLE OR TYPE: 
Not acceptable for poultry products. 
LONGANIZA: 
Longaniza is a fresh sausage product. If it is prepared otherwise, the product name must 
indicate its nature, e.g., “Cured Longaniza.” Paprika is an acceptable ingredient because 
it is expected. 
LONGANIZA AND PUERTO RICAN STYLE LONGANIZA: 
Longaniza is an acceptable name for Puerto Rican sausage made from pork which may 
contain beef but does not contain annatto. Added fat is not permitted. 
Puerto Rican Style Longaniza is acceptable labeling for sausage made from pork which 
may contain beef and does contain annatto. Added fat is not permitted, although up to 3 
percent lard may be used as a carrier for annatto. When annatto is used, it should be 
included in the ingredients statement as “annatto” in accordance with Section 9 CFR 
317.2(j)(5) of the meat inspection regulations. 
See: Policy Memo 021 dated February 9, 1981 
LOUKANIKA: 
An acceptable name for cooked fresh Greek sausage. It is usually made with lamb and 
pork, oranges, allspice, whole pepper, and salt. 
LUMPIA or LOOMPYA: 
A Philippine style or Filipino style egg roll. There are no special ingredient requirements; 
it refers to a shape of the egg roll. Lumpia or Loompya are generally longer and thinner 
than traditional egg rolls. 
LUNCHEON MEAT: 
1. “Luncheon Meat” cannot contain livers, kidneys, blood, detached skin, partially 
defatted pork or beef tissue, or stomachs. 
2. On the label the meat components of “Luncheon Meat” are identified in the 
ingredients statement as “beef,” “pork,” “beef tongue meat,” “pork tongue meat,” 
“beef heart meat,” and “pork heart meat.” 
3. In the ingredients statement “Beef” and “Pork” means lean meat with overlying 
fat and the portions of sinew, nerve, and the blood vessels which normally 
accompany muscle tissue and which are not separated in the process of dressing                 
             
           
 
 
                
     
 
             
         
 
             
   
 
             
          
  
 
             
             
               
       
 
           
            
            
              
 
 
 
 
             
          
 
   
 
                
                
 
 
     
 
      but not including bone and skin. Up to 10 percent of the meat portion of the 
formula can consist of cured and smoked meat trimmings which does not require 
special declaration in the ingredients statement except included under “pork” and 
“beef.” 
4. Heart or heart muscle, tongues, or tongue meat and cheek meat can be included in 
“Luncheon Meat” under the following restrictions: 
a. Hearts or heart meat or tongues or tongue meat must be declared 
individually by species in the ingredients statement on the label. 
b. No restriction on the percentage limits of hearts, heart meats, tongues, and 
tongue meats in the formulation. 
c. The terms “heart meat” and “tongue meat” refer to the muscle tissue 
remaining after heart caps, glands, nodes, connective tissue, etc. are 
trimmed away. 
5. Water added to “Luncheon Meat” during manufacture cannot exceed 3 percent by 
weight of the total ingredients, this is controlled by weighing ingredients and not 
by analysis. Care must be used to see that water is not added indirectly through 
the use of undrained hearts and tongues. 
6. The only ingredients permitted in “Luncheon Meat” are curing ingredients, 
sweetening agents, spices, and flavoring. All of these substances must be declared 
in the ingredients statement by name, except the various “flavorings” and “spices” 
which need not be named individually. “Spices” refer to natural spices and not to 
extracts. 
LYONER WURST: 
A cooked, smoked, and finely ground sausage originating in Germany. It is usually made 
with beef, pork, (no chicken) flavoring, cure, and contains green peppercorns. 
LYONS SAUSAGE (FR): 
A dry sausage made exclusively of pork (four parts finely chopped lean and one or two 
parts small diced fat) with spices and garlic which is stuffed into large casings, cured and 
air-dried. 
MACARONI AND BEEF IN SAUCE: 
Product must contain at least 12 percent beef.      
 
       
 
      
 
          
 
  
 
               
                
       
 
    
 
               
                
   
 
  
 
             
               
                
          
 
  
 
               
             
            
               
       
 
  
 
              
                
             
 
 
              
            MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH HAM: 
Product must contain at least 12 percent cooked ham. 
MACARONI SALAD WITH (Meat or Poultry): 
Product must contain at least 12 percent cooked meat or poultry meat. 
MADE WITH … QUALIFIERS: 
Need only mention the species or kind in the statement even when only a byproduct of the 
specific species or kind is used, e.g., pork, chicken and beef hearts in a sausage would 
carry a qualifier “made with pork, chicken and beef.” 
MADE WITH 100 percent REAL CHEESE: 
This statement is acceptable on products as long as the cheese components are all 100 
percent real cheese. It is not acceptable if a cheese food product or imitation cheese is 
included in the formula. 
MALIC ACID: 
Malic acid has been used extensively for many years as part of flavoring/seasoning 
mixtures which are added to components of meat or poultry products. It may be approved 
as a flavoring agent, and is acceptable as a component in a seasoning mix, e.g., in 
marinades and sauces, but may not be added alone to a product. 
MANICOTTI (IT): 
Product must contain at least 10 percent fresh meat. An Italian main dish consisting of 
rectangular -shaped pasta spread with a filling of meat (e.g., sausage, ground beef, or 
chopped prosciutto) and/or cheeses (e.g., ricotta and mozzarella). The pasta is rolled, 
edges pressed to seal, and covered with grated parmesan cheese and tomato sauce. A true 
product name must be shown, e.g., “Beef Manicotti in Sauce.” 
MARGARINE SUBSTITUTES: 
Meat food products that are substitutes for margarine because they contain less than 80 
percent fat and/or oil need not be labeled “imitation” if the product has a fully descriptive 
name and the finished product contains 15,000 international units of Vitamin A per 
pound. 
The descriptive name of the product may include the term “Spread” (or “Spred”), which 
has been widely adopted as a generic fanciful name for this class of product.             
 
 
               
      
 
                
              
                 
       
 
               
               
                  
       
 
              
            
             
 
 
                 
               
 
      
 
 
 
                
              
     
 
  
 
               
              
              
          
            
 
 
 
 
              
           
           
           
           
       
 The following guidelines shall be used in selecting the appropriate descriptive product 
name: 
1. “Animal Fat Spread (or Spred)” is an acceptable product name for a product prepared 
from animal fat as the sole source of fat. 
2. “Animal Fat and Vegetable Oil Spread (or Spred)” is an acceptable product name for a 
product prepared with a combination of animal fat(s) and vegetable oil(s) in which the 
vegetable oil(s) content is greater than 20 percent of the total of the fat(s) and oil(s) used 
but less than 50  percent of the total. 
3. “Animal Fat Spread (or Spred) - Vegetable Oil Added” is an acceptable product name 
for a product prepared with a combination of animal fat(s) and vegetable oil(s) in which 
the vegetable oil(s) content is 20 percent or less of the total of the fat(s) and oil(s) used 
but greater than 2  percent of the total. 
4. The fanciful name “Spread” (or “Spred”) accompanied by a list of all ingredients 
individually identified by their common or usual name in order of decreasing 
predominance is acceptable regardless of the nature and amount of fat(s) and/or oil(s) 
used. In 1., 2., and 3. above, the descriptive product name may include the percent of each fat 
and/or oil and may include the common or usual name of each fat and/or oil used. 
See: Policy Memo 045 dated April 7, 1982 
MARENGO: 
Product must contain at least 35 percent cooked meat or poultry meat. It has chicken or 
veal in a sauce containing tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and wine, and label must show 
true product name, e.g., “Chicken Marengo.” 
MARINE OIL: 
Herring oil and other marine species oils found by FDA to be satisfactory may be 
combined with animal and mixture of animal and vegetable oils processed as meat food 
products. Labels will bear statements identifying the presence of such substances, e.g., a 
shortening consisting of 50 percent herring oil and the remainder equal amounts of animal 
and vegetable oils would be “Shortening, Prepared with Herring Oil, Animal and 
Vegetable Oils.” 
MARKING: 
Labeling may consist of a combination of printing, stenciling, box dyes, etc. for large true 
containers and for shipping containers. Crayons are unacceptable for applying required 
labeling features except for figures indicating content quantity. Approval of official 
marks appearing in newspaper advertisements, billboards, etc. is not necessary; however, 
such marks may be reviewed locally before publication. Such markings should conform 
to the illustrations in the regulations and not be misleading.   
 
               
        
 
    
 
   
 
       
 
     
 
       
 
  
 
             
   
 
          
          
      
 
    
 
  
 
  
 
             
         “MAY CONTAIN” STATEMENTS: 
The use of “may contain” or “and/or” labeling may be used in the ingredients statement’s 
sublisting of sliced and/or diced products from various sources. 
See: “Composite Ingredients Statement.” 
MEAT AND DRESSING: 
Product must contain at least 50 percent cooked meat. 
MEAT AND DRESSING WITH GRAVY: 
Product must contain at least 30 percent cooked meat. 
MEAT BASE: 
A granular, paste -like product which is shelf -stable primarily because of its high salt 
content (30-40 percent). 
1. Beef Base - 15 percent beef or 10.5 percent cooked beef 
2. Pork Base - 15 percent pork or 10.5 percent cooked pork 
3. Ham Base - 18 percent ham 
MEAT BROTH OR MEAT STOCK: 
MPR 135:1.  Condensed 67:1 
MEAT BYPRODUCTS: 
Byproducts must be individually declared by species and specific name in the ingredients 
statement, e.g., Pork Liver, Beef Tripe, and Beef fat.   
 
          
 
  
 
      
 
  
 
              
                
       
 
    
 
         
 
        
 
             
              
             
        
 
               
              
              
    
 
            
            
             
          
 
                
            
             
             
   
 
       MEAT CASSEROLES: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent meat or 18 percent cooked meat. 
MEAT CURRY: 
Product must contain at least 50 percent meat. 
MEAT FLAVORING: 
Meat flavoring – when characteristic meat flavorings such as bacon are added in amounts 
less than 2 percent in addition to the required meat component of a product, such meat 
flavorings need not appear in the product label. 
MEAT FOLDOVER MIT DRESSING: 
Product must contain at least 50 percent meat (chopped and formed). 
MEAT FOOD PRODUCTS CONTAINING POULTRY INGREDIENTS -LABELING: 
Meat food products containing poultry ingredients in amounts that exceed 20 percent of 
the total livestock and poultry product portion of the meat food product must have 
product names that indicate the presence of the poultry ingredients, e.g., “Beef and 
Chicken Chili” or “Chili made with Beef and Chicken.” 
Meat food products containing poultry ingredients in amounts at 20 percent or less of the 
total livestock and poultry product portion of the meat food product must have product 
names that are qualified to indicate the presence of the poultry ingredients, e.g., “Beef 
Stew - Turkey Added.” 
However, meat food products that do not meet specified minimum livestock ingredient 
requirements because poultry ingredients are replacing any part of the required livestock 
ingredients must have product names that indicate the presence of the poultry ingredients, 
e.g., “Beef and Turkey Stew” or “Stew Made with Beef and Turkey.” 
This policy does not apply to: (1) red meat products that are expected to contain poultry 
ingredients, e.g., “Brunswick Stew and Potted Meat Food Product” (Section 9 CFR 
319.761); (2) cooked sausages identified in Section 9 CFR 319.180 of the meat 
regulations (Policy Memo 005A); or (3) nonspecific loaves, rolls, logs, etc., e.g., Pickle 
and Pimento Loaf. 
See: Policy Memo 030A dated September 13, 1982   
 
                
 
 
             
          
 
    
 
              
    
 
       
 
                
   
 
       
 
           
 
    
 
      
 
          
 
                 
    
 
                
               
 
 
    
 
              
              
     
 
    
 
               
    MEAT LOAF: 
Uncooked or cooked pork, beef, veal or lamb, and other ingredients in loaf form, but not 
canned. 
1. Ingredients, e.g., cracker meal, oatmeal, bread crumbs, nonfat dry milk, soy ingredients 
(untextured), milk, and whole eggs are not required in the product name. 
2. Product may contain: 
a. Head meat, cheek meat, heart meat, and tongue meat under label declaration in 
the ingredients statement only. 
b. Not more than 12 percent extenders and binders. 
c. Partially defatted chopped beef or pork up to 25 percent and declared as meat in 
the ingredients statement. 
3. Product must contain at least 65 percent meat. 
4. Onion, tomato juice, water, and other liquid extenders are not directly controlled. 
MEAT LOAF, CANNED (Perishable): 
Canned perishable products in the loaf category must: 
1. Meet the perishable labeling requirements. See: 9 CFR 317.2(k), 
2. Be cured with at least 1 ounce nitrate per 100 pounds of product and 1/2 percent 
dextrose or 1 percent sugar. 
3. Have a brine concentration of at least 3.5 percent in the finished product. Products that 
contain cereal, starch, or other extenders must have a brine concentration of at least 6.1 
percent. 
MEAT LOAF, CANNED (Sterile Packed): 
No head, cheek, heart, or tongue meat permitted. Other requirements are the same as 
uncanned cured meat loaf. Binders and extenders must be shown in the product name, 
e.g., “Meat Loaf, cereal added.” 
MEAT PASTY OR PASTIES: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent meat. The label must show the true product 
name, e.g., “Beef Pasty.”    
 
      
 
      
 
              
 
 
   
 
              
               
          
 
  
 
        
 
    
 
                 
        
 
    
 
                 
   
 
  
 
       
 
  
 
               
               
              
    
 
    
 
              
        MEAT PIE FILLING: 
Product must contain at least 37 percent meat. 
MEAT PIES (OR VEGETABLE MEAT PIES): 
Product must contain 25 percent meat; meat in gravy may be counted towards meat 
content. 
MEAT/POULTRY EXTENDED PRODUCTS: 
These should always be listed in the ingredients statement of the secondary product by 
their correct name, e.g., “Beef, water and binder product,” unless it is included in the 
name of the product, e.g., “Chili made with beef and binder product.” 
MEAT RAVIOLI: 
Product must contain at least 10 percent meat in ravioli. 
MEAT RAVIOLI IN MEAT SAUCE: 
Product must contain at least 10 percent meat in ravioli and at least 50 percent ravioli in 
total product, and at least 6 percent meat in sauce. 
MEAT RAVIOLI IN SAUCE: 
Product must contain at least 10 percent meat in the ravioli and at least 50 percent ravioli 
in the total product. 
MEAT SAUCE: 
Product must contain at least 6 percent ground meat. 
MEAT SPREADS: 
Product must contain at least 50 percent meat or 35 percent cooked meat. When another 
major component is considered a significant source of protein such as cheese is added the 
requirement is reduced to 25 percent cooked meat. Product must show a true product 
name, e.g., “Sausage and Cheese Spread.” 
MEAT STICK AND CHEESE COMBINATION PRODUCTS: 
The following criteria are used for dry meat stick and cheese combination products that 
need not bear a “keep refrigerated” handling statement.                 
               
          
 
             
     
 
             
             
            
 
            
             
   
 
             
            
   
 
  
 
             
              
        
 
 
 
             
 
        
 
              
              
            
          
        
 
             
             
 
 
             
            
         (1) The dry meat stick portion must have a water activity of less than 0.90, the 
cheese portion must have a water activity of less than 0.94, and the equilibrium of 
the water activity of the two components must be no greater than 0.92; 
(2) the dry meat portion, if fermented, must be fermented by an active 
fermentation culture (typically to a pH 5.0 or below) and; 
(3) for products where the meat portion and the cheese portion are packaged 
together, there must be a heat seal between the dry meat stick and cheese 
components which separates the meat stick from the cheese stick by at least 4 mm. 
(4) Dry meat stick and cheese combination products not meeting these criteria 
must be labeled with a “keep refrigerated” statement in lieu of compelling data 
that establish safety. 
Products not meeting the criteria stated above can be labeled without a “keep 
refrigerated” statement if a control program ensuring safety and shelf stability is 
established by the established. 
MEATBALL STEW: 
Meatball stew contains at least 25 percent meatballs and usually contains vegetables such 
as potatoes, peas, carrots, etc., and gravy or thick broth resulting from cooking all 
ingredients together. The meatballs must meet the Meatball Standard. 
MEATBALLS: 
Uncooked or cooked pork, beef, veal, and lamb, and other ingredients in a ball form. 
1. Product must contain at least 65 percent meat. 
2. Binders and extenders are limited to 12 percent of the total product. 6.8 
percent of isolated soy protein is considered the equivalent to 12 percent of the 
other binders or extenders. The permitted binders and extenders include, but are 
not limited to, cereal, bread crumbs, cracker meal, soy flour, soy protein 
concentrate, isolated soy protein, and textured vegetable protein. 
3. Cheeks, hearts, and tongues are not allowed, but product may contain head 
meat, cheek meat, heart meat, and tongue meat when declared in the ingredients 
statement. 
4. Partially defatted chopped (PDC) (species) may be used up to 25 percent of the 
meat block. PDC (species) can be identified as (species) in the ingredients 
statements. (See entry for Partially Defatted Chopped (species).    
 
         
 
   
 
             
               
            
   
 
  
 
               
                 
   
 
  
 
              
    
 
               
            
 
              
   
 
            
     
 
               
   
 
     
 
               
             
               
              
          MEATBALLS IN SAUCE: 
Requires a 50 percent minimum of meat -balls, by weight in finished product. 
MEATBALLS, SWEDISH STYLE: 
Product must contain at least 65 percent fresh meat. “Swedish Meatballs” or “Swedish 
Style Meatballs” are small in size and usually contain two or three different varieties of 
meat, nutmeg and/or allspice, potatoes, and milk. “Swedish Brand Meatballs Made in 
USA” means any meatball. 
MEATBALLS, TURKEY: 
Product must contain at least 65 percent raw turkey meat. Skin is permitted in natural 
proportions of meat used, if skin is in excess of natural proportions, it shall be reflected in 
the product name. 
MEDITERRANEAN STYLE: 
Acceptable identification for product containing onion or garlic, olive oil and four of any 
of the following groups: 
1. Vegetable or fruit: dried apricot, artichoke, dried date, dried fig, eggplant, tomato, 
pepper (green or red), squash, lemon or lemon juice, raisin and olives. 
2. Legume or nut: fava bean, chick pea, white cannelloni bean, green bean, lentil, 
almond, pine nut, pistachio. 
3. Seasoning: dill, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, fennel, basil, oregano, thyme, saffron, 
rosemary, parsley, mint, sumac, turmeric. 
4. A regional dish as component, e.g., pita bread, yogurt, Italian or Greek type cheese, 
pasta, couscous or bulgur. 
MERGUEZ, MERGUES OR MERGHEZ SAUSAGE: 
A hot and spicy fresh sausage originating in North Africa and common in France which 
contains hot pepper and/or paprika. The meat component must contain beef and may 
contain lamb or mutton when labeled as “Merguez Sausage.” When pork is used as part 
of meat component, the product is labeled as “Merguez Sausage with Pork.” When pork 
is the only meat ingredient, the product is labeled “Pork Merguez Sausage.”  
 
            
                 
  
 
       
 
  
 
              
      
 
       
 
  
 
               
                  
 
 
  
 
              
            
             
        
 
   
 
               
            
 
   
 
                
               
 
 
    
 
               
                 
 METTWURST: 
An uncooked cured smoked sausage in which byproducts and extenders are not permitted. 
Beef heart meat is acceptable. Water is limited to 3 percent and the fat content shall not 
exceed 50 percent. 
See: Policy Memo 020A dated March 26, 1981 
METTWURST, COOKED: 
Mettwurst which is cooked must be labeled “Cooked Mettwurst,” and may contain up to 
10 percent water based on the finished product. 
See: Policy Memo 020A dated March 26, 1981 
METZ SAUSAGE: 
Cured lean beef and pork and bacon are finely chopped, seasoned, and stuffed into beef 
middles. It is air-dried for 5 days, then given a cool smoke. It is classed as a semi -dry 
sausage. 
MEXICAN STYLE: 
Acceptable for products that contain at least four of the following: jalapeno peppers, chili 
peppers, green chilies, cumin, cayenne peppers, red or green peppers, chili powder, 
jalapeno powder, Monterey Jack cheese, or cheddar cheese. This policy applies to a 
single food and does not supersede Policy Memo 068. 
MEXICAN STYLE DINNERS: 
Products like tamales, enchiladas, and tacos must make up 25 percent of the dinner or 
entree to qualify as “Mexican Style.” The individual product standard must also be met. 
MEXICAN STYLE SAUCES: 
A garnish (decoration) of cheese in or on the sauce of Mexican style foods does not 
require the presence of the cheese to be declared in the product name or qualifying 
statement. 
MILAN OR MILANO SALAMI: 
A dry sausage with a maximum MPR of 1.9:1. It is an Italian -type salami, except the 
meat is finely cut. It is made with beef, pork fat, spiced with garlic, and has a distinctive 
cording.   
 
                
              
               
                 
          
  
 
               
              
    
 
 
 
              
            
             
            
                 
                
       
 
  
 
    
 
   
 
                
 
 
 
 
                
             
 MINCE MEAT: 
Product must contain at least 12 percent fresh meat or 9 percent cooked meat. Heart meat 
may be substituted. In addition to “Mince Meat,” the product name should include kinds 
of meat, e.g., “Mince Meat with Beef” or “Mince Meat with (species) Heart Meat.” When 
2 percent or more cooked meat but less than 9 percent cooked meat is present in the 
formula, the product is amenable and the name must state that the product is “Mince Meat 
Flavored With  .” 
A product marketed as “Mince Meat” which contains less than 2 percent cooked meat or 
contains only beef suet as the ingredient of animal origin, is not considered as a meat food 
product and is not amenable. 
MIXTURES: 
Mixtures of nonfat dry milk (NFDM), calcium reduced dry skim milk (CRDSM), or dried 
whey, reduced lactose whey, reduced minerals whey, and whey protein concentrate with 
other substances are not allowed, except in batter and gravy mixes and breaders. 
Mixtures of cereal, soy preparations and/or sodium caseinate with other substances are 
permitted to come into the plant for use in batter and gravy mixes, but they must be 
labeled to show their intended use, e.g., “Patty Mix” or “Gravy Mix.” The labels of the 
mixtures must show the ingredients in order of their predominance. 
MOCK DRUMSTICKS: 
An imitation product; nonspecific. 
MOCK TURTLE SOUP: 
Product must contain at least 10 percent beef and may be made with beef and beef 
byproducts. 
MOFONGO: 
Pork skins and plantain type product with at least 20 percent pork skins in the total 
formulation. It must show true product name, e.g., “Pork Skin Filling Wrapped in 
Plantain.”     
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
       
       
 
     
 
                
             
        
 
 
 
                  
     
 
    
  
               
  
 
 
 
                 
                 
                  
 
 
  
 
            
     
 
   MOISTURE PROTEIN RATIO (MPR): 
Frizzes 1.6:1 Ukrainian Sausage 2.0:1 
Jerky 0.75:1 Kippered Beef 2.03:1 
Pepperoni 1.6:1 Dry Salami 1.9:1 
Dry Sausage 1.9:1 Genoa Salami 2.3:1 
Tropic Cure Pork 3.25:1 Sicilian Salami 2.3:1 
Thuringer 3.7:1 Italian Salami 1.9:1 
Dried Meat 2.04:1 Roast Beef, Canned 2.25:1 
Chipped Beef 2.04:1 Farmer Summer Sausage 1.9:1 
MOISTURE PROTEIN RATIO (MPR) -PH: 
Nonrefrigerated or shelf -stable sausages must have an MPR of 3.1:1 or less and a pH of 
5.0 or less, unless commercially sterilized. This does not apply to products containing 
more than 3.5 percent binders or 2 percent isolated soy protein. 
MONDONGO: 
A mixture of one or more of the following: (a) beef tripe, (b) cattle feet with or without 
hide on, (c) chitterlings, and (d) beef intestines. 
See: Beef Tripe Stew 
MORCELLA BLOOD PUDDING: 
Nonspecific. The product is made from pork fat, beef blood and/or pork blood, and may 
contain meat. 
MORTADELLA: 
Normally a cooked sausage but can be dry or semi-dry. It is similar to salami and cervelat 
except that it has large chunks of pork fat. Red sweet peppers up to 4 percent and 
pistachio nuts up to 1 percent are acceptable as long as they are shown in the true product 
name. 
MORTADELLA (CANNED): 
Canned items designated “Mortadella” must be labeled with the phrase “Perishable, Keep 
Under Refrigeration” and must have an MPR of 3.85:1 or less. 
See: Manual 18.46    
 
              
            
                 
      
 
    
 
               
            
 
 
      
 
               
             
   
 
    
 
               
               
      
 
  
 
              
               
   
 
  
 
                
                 
        
 
  
 
                
  
 
  
 
      MORTADELLA -POULTRY: 
Poultry Mortadella is a dry, semi-dry, or cooked sausage formulated with poultry. The 
sausage must contain large chunks of pork fat and may contain extenders and/or binders. 
Red sweet peppers are permitted up to 4 percent and pistachio nuts up to 1 percent and 
shown as added in the true product name. 
See: Policy Memo 029 
If product is canned, the MPR must not exceed 3.85:1, the internal temperature must have 
reached 160o F and the product labeled “Perishable, Keep Under Refrigeration” or similar 
wording. 
MORTADELLA WITHOUT FAT CUBES OR CHUNKS: 
Product must meet the standard for Mortadella and the label be qualified to indicate the 
absence of Fat Cubes or Chunks, e.g., “Mortadella without Fat Cubes” or “Mortadella 
without Fat Chunks.” 
MOUSAKA, MOUSSAKA, MUSAKA (GK): 
Must contain at least 25 percent meat. Mousaka is a casserole containing layers of meat 
and eggplant made in various ways throughout the Middle East. A true product name is 
required, e.g., “Eggplant and Meat Casserole.” 
MULLICATAWNY SOUP: 
Product must contain at least 2 percent cooked poultry meat and enough curry powder 
and pepper to characterize the product. The label must show a true product name, e.g., 
“Chicken Mullicatawny Soup.” 
MULLIGAN STEW: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent fresh meat or meat and poultry. Mulligan stew is 
a mixture of vegetables and meat combined in a gravy or sauce. The label must have a 
true product name, e.g., “Chicken and Meat Mulligan Stew.” 
MUSTARD BRAN: 
This is not considered a spice and must be declared as “Mustard Bran.” It is not 
acceptable in sausage. 
MUSTARD FLOUR: 
It is a spice that is commonly used in sausage products.  
 
           
            
           
       
 
      
 
         
          
             
            
             
              
   
 
  
 
           
        
 
             
            
            
         
        
           
            
            
  
 
         
            
          
            
           
           
             
           
                
            
            
    MYVACET: 
(Distilled Acetylated Monoglycerides). Acceptable for use as a coating on sausage 
casings. Sausages coated with Myvacet shall show, adjacent to the product name, a 
qualifying statement disclosing the presence of the compound, e.g., “Summer Sausage 
Coated with a Solution of Distilled Acetylated Monoglycerides.” 
NACHO STYLE, NACHO FLAVOR, AND SIMILAR TERMS: 
Acceptable terminology for products possessing the commonly expected flavor 
characteristics associated with “Nachos,” a Mexican hors d'oeurve. The characterizing 
flavor components generally include, but are not limited to, cheese (Cheddar or Monterey 
Jack), tomato (tomato solids, tomato powder), spices, or other natural seasonings and 
flavorings (usually garlic and onion), and chili peppers (mild or hot). Romano and 
Parmesan cheese are also often present. However, these cheeses may not be used to 
satisfy the above cheese requirement. 
NATURAL CLAIMS: 
The term “natural” may be used on labeling for meat products and poultry products, 
provided the applicant for such labeling demonstrates that: 
(1) the product does not contain any artificial flavor or flavoring, coloring ingredient, or 
chemical preservative (as defined in 21 CFR 101.22), or any other artificial or synthetic 
ingredient; and (2) the product and its ingredients are not more than minimally processed. 
Minimal processing may include: (a) those traditional processes used to make food edible 
or to preserve it or to make it safe for human consumption, e.g., smoking, roasting, 
freezing, drying, and fermenting, or (b) those physical processes which do not 
fundamentally alter the raw product and/or which only separate a whole, intact food into 
component parts, e.g., grinding meat, separating eggs into albumen and yolk, and pressing 
fruits to produce juices. 
Relatively severe processes, e.g., solvent extraction, acid hydrolysis, and chemical 
bleaching would clearly be considered more than minimal processing. Thus, the use of a 
natural flavor or flavoring in compliance with 21 CFR 101.22 which has undergone more 
than minimal processing would place a product in which it is used outside the scope of 
these guidelines. However, the presence of an ingredient which has been more than 
minimally processed would not necessarily preclude the product from being promoted as 
natural. Exceptions of this type may be granted on a case- by-case basis if it can be 
demonstrated that the use of such an ingredient would not significantly change the 
character of the product to the point that it could no longer be considered a natural 
product. In such cases, the natural claim must be qualified to clearly and conspicuously 
identify the ingredient, e.g., .all natural or all natural ingredients except dextrose, 
modified food starch, etc.”               
            
         
            
            
 
 
                
           
           
           
           
 
             
           
          
            
           
         
    
 
           
           
          
  
 
           
            
          
              
             
            
            
          
            
                
          
            
              
            
              
               
              
           
          
         All products claiming to be natural or a natural food should be accompanied by a brief 
statement which explains what is meant by the term natural, i.e., that the product is a 
natural food because it contains no artificial ingredients and is only minimally processed. 
This statement should appear directly beneath or beside all natural claims or, if elsewhere 
on the principal display panel; an asterisk should be used to tie the explanation to the 
claim. 
The decision to approve or deny the use of a natural claim may be affected by the specific 
context in which the claim is made. For example, claims indicating that a product is 
natural food, e.g., “Natural chili” or “chili - a natural product” would be unacceptable for 
a product containing beet powder which artificially colors the finished product. However, 
“all natural ingredients” might be an acceptable claim for such a product. 
Correction : In the August 2005 edition of the Policy Book, a “Note” was added to the 
entry on “natural claims” indicating that “Sugar, sodium lactate (from a corn source), and 
natural flavorings from oleoresins or extractives are acceptable for “all natural” claims. 
The Note was followed by other new text that stated “This entry cancels Policy Memo 
055 dated November 22, 1982.   See: 7 CFR NOP Final Report, Part 205.601 through 
205.606 for acceptable i ngredients allowed for all natural claims.” This “Note” is now 
revised to read as follows: 
Note: Sugar and natural flavorings from oleoresins or extractives are acceptable for “all 
natural” claims. The other text, including the reference to “sodium lactate (from a corn 
source)” has been removed from the guidance on “natural claims” for the reasons 
explained below. 
The note regarding sodium lactate (from a corn source) was added to the “natural” entry 
in recognition that manufacturers could show that the ingredient was from a natural 
source (i.e., from corn), was no more than minimally processed, and provided a flavoring 
effect, not an antimicrobial effect, at levels consistent with those regulated for the purpose 
of flavoring (i.e., less than 2 percent of a formulation). Thus, the Agency considered such 
uses to be consistent with the meaning of “natural.” However, recent information 
provided to FSIS raises questions about this judgment. This information indicates that 
sodium lactate, potassium lactate, and calcium lactate provide an antimicrobial effect at 
levels that have been regulated as providing a flavoring effect. Therefore, regardless of 
whether it can be shown that any form of lactate is from a natural source and is not more 
than minimally processed, the use of lactate (sodium, potassium, and calcium) may 
conflict with the meaning of “natural” because it may be having a preservative effect at 
levels of use associated with flavoring. Thus, listing “sodium lactate (from a corn 
source)” in the previous entry may have been in error, at least without qualifying the 
listing by stating that the use of this ingredient or any ingredient known to have multiple 
technical effects needs to be judged on a case- by-case basis at the time of label approval 
to assess that the intended use, level of use, and technical function are consistent with the 
1982 policy. Whether there should ever be a blanket acceptance of any ingredient that 
has multiple functions, including an antimicrobial or preservative function, in products 
labeled “natural” is a complicated issue that is best addressed through notice and           
             
            
           
 
          
          
           
            
          
             
           
    
 
   
 
             
              
               
            
         
 
 
 
              
                
     
 
  
 
               
                
           
 
             
            
         
 
             
           
          
     
 
              
             
              comment rulemaking. Therefore, FSIS has removed the reference to sodium lactate from 
this guidance but will judge claims that foods to which a lactate has been added can be 
characterized as “natural” on a case-by-case basis, pending the outcome of a rulemaking 
on the use of “natural” that the Agency intends to initiate in the near future. 
This correction also removes the statement in the entry on “Natural Claims,” 
“See: 7 CFR NOP Final Report, Part 205.601 through 205.606 for acceptable ingredients 
allowed for all natural claims.” This statement was intended to help manufacturers locate 
a source to support the claims that ingredients they use in “natural” products are not more 
than minimally processed, are not artificial or synthetic, and do not act to preserve 
products. The Agency has removed this text because it was confusing users of the policy 
guidance who thought that any ingredient that is “organic” could be used in a “natural” 
product, which is not the case. 
NATURAL SMOKED COLOR: 
Approval can be properly granted to labels with this statement when the products 
involved are “Smoked” and not artificially colored. The results of the use of artificial 
smoke materials can, by means of a number of processing operations, result in a color 
characteristic being acquired by the frankfurters, bologna, and the like. The term 
“Natural Smoked Color” can be used to properly identify this point. 
NAVARIN: 
Navarin is a stew containing lamb or mutton and vegetables and considered a national 
dish of France. It must meet the meat stew standard of 25 percent meat. Show true 
product name, e.g., “Navarin -Lamb Stew.” 
NEGATIVE LABELING: 
(1) Negative labeling is allowed if it is unclear from the product name that the 
ingredient is not present. For example, the use of the term “no beef” on the label 
of “turkey pastrami” would further clarify that the product does not contain beef. 
(2) Negative labeling is allowed if the statement is beneficial for health, religious 
preference, or other similar reasons. For example, highlighting the absence of salt 
in a product would be helpful to those persons on sodium- restricted diets. 
(3) Negative labeling is allowed if the claims are directly linked to the product 
packaging, as opposed to the product itself. For example, flexible retortable 
pouches could bear the statement “no preservatives, refrigeration or freezing 
needed with this new packaging method.” 
(4) Negative labeling is allowed if such claims call attention to the absence of 
ingredients because they are prohibited in a product by regulation or policy. The 
statement must clearly and prominently indicate this fact, so as not to mislead or            
       
 
              
             
              
            
              
           
             
     
 
            
            
     
 
      
 
       
 
            
      
 
              
                
            
             
              
       
 
               
        
 
              
       
 
               
             
 
 
                 
  
 
         
 
       create false impressions. For example, “USDA regulations prohibit the use of 
preservatives in this product” would be an acceptable statement for ground beef. 
(5) Negative labeling is allowed to indicate that absence of an ingredient when that 
ingredient is expected or permitted by regulation or policy. This could also apply 
to ingredients which are not expected or permitted by regulation or policy if the 
ingredients could find their way into the product through a component. For 
example, the use of “no preservatives” on the label of “spaghetti with meat and 
sauce” (where regulations do not permit the direct addition of preservatives) 
would be acceptable if the product contained an ingredient, such as cooking oil, 
which could contain antioxidants but do not. 
These guidelines do not preempt the requirements of the nutrition labeling regulation. 
Therefore, negative claims such as “unsalted” would have to comply with the provisions 
stated in the nutrition labeling regulations. 
See Policy Memo 019B dated August 18, 1994 
NET QUANTITY OF CONTENTS ON COMBINATION PACKAGES: 
The guidelines for stating the net quantity of contents on combination packages 
containing both liquid and solid products are as follows: 
1. The declaration of net quantity of contents for a combination package shall be 
expressed in terms of fluid measure for individual products that are liquid and in terms of 
avoirdupois weight for individual products that are solid, semisolid, or viscous, provided 
the quantity statements for identical packages or units are combined. For example, the 
fruit drink would be expressed in fluid measure and the meat, cheese, crackers, and 
cookies would be expressed in the combined avoirdupois weight. 
2. The declaration of quantity shall be preceded by one of the following terms, as 
appropriate: “Net Weight,” “Net Wt.,” or “Net Contents.” 
The net quantity of contents declaration may appear in more than one line. Therefore, 
both stacked and side-by-side declarations would be considered appropriate. 
-Descriptive terms may be used to identify the liquid and solid components of the 
package, e.g., entree, meal, or drink; however, such terms shall not include brand 
names. 
- Connecting words such as “and” or “plus” are permitted to be used as part of the 
declaration of contents. 
Examples of acceptable net content declarations are as follows: 
(1) Entree Net Wt. 8 oz., Drink 4 fl. oz. (120ml)          
 
     
 
      
 
              
            
              
     
 
            
       
 
       
 
   
 
                
                
                
                  
    
 
            
              
                 
             
 
           
              
     
 
             
        
 
              
               
              
                
          
 
              
                 
  (2) Net Contents: lunch 8 oz. plus fruit drink 4 fl. oz. 
(3) Net Wt. 8 oz. Drink 4 fl. oz. (120ml) 
(4) Net Weight 8 oz. and 4 fl. oz. 
Federally inspected meat and poultry products are exempt from the requirements of the Fair 
Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), including the mandatory metric labeling provisions that 
went into effect February 14, 1994. However, if metric labeling is included voluntarily, such 
labeling should comply with the FPLA. 
The guidelines contained in this policy memo will be subject to the provisions prescribed in 
9 CFR 317.2(h) and 9 CFR 381.121 of the Federal regulations. 
See: Policy Memo 124 dated January 17, 1995 
NET WEIGHT STATEMENT: 
Divider Pak: On a product where two cans are taped together, one of which contains the 
meat or poultry item and the other a vegetable, e.g., “Chicken Chow Mein,” the meat or 
poultry label may include the net weight on the 20 percent panel. The vegetable can bears 
the true name of the product with the total net weight of the other can and the drained 
weight of the vegetable can. 
Double Packing: When a poultry product and a non-poultry product are separately 
wrapped and placed in a single immediate container bearing the name of both products, 
the net weight shown on the immediate container may be the total net weight of the two 
products or the net weight of the poultry product and the non-poultry product separately. 
Additional Net Weight Information: Nonregulatory information of a net weight nature, 
e.g., 4-3 oz. packages, accompanying a net weight statement is acceptable and need not 
adhere to the size and spacing restrictions. 
Open Net Weights: Open net weights may be presented in pounds and ounces, 
decimals, decimal fractions, or fractions, e.g., 1 1/2 lbs., 1.6 lbs. 
Net Weight Requirements: The statement of net quantity of contents is required on all 
products intended for sale at retail intact. In addition, shipping containers must bear a net 
quantity of contents statement if product inside is not uniform in weight (i.e., random 
weight). Piece counts may not be used in lieu of a required net quantity of contents 
statement on a shipping container but may be used as additional information. 
Multi -Unit Retail Packages: Fully labeled packages of more than one of the same meat 
or poultry product packages in an open (i.e., clear) overwrap do not have to include a net 
weight statement.       
   
 
        
 
              
       
 
             
              
           
 
 
            
          
            
             
      
 
               
            
               
      
 
      
 
   
 
         
  
 
             
      
 
        
 
          
              
   
 
           
            
            
              
    See: 9 CFR 317.2(h), and 9 CFR 381.121(b) 
MPI Bulletin 211 
NET WEIGHT STATEMENTS ON PACKAGES WITH HEADER LABELS: 
The guidelines for determining the size and location of net weight statements on meat 
food product packages with header labels are as follows: 
1. The entire front of the package is considered the principal display panel of the 
package and its area is used to determine the size of the net weight statement. Print 
size specifications for the net weight statement specified by the regulations must be 
followed. 
2. The net weight statement should be placed within the lower 30 percent area of the 
header label if no other mandatory labeling features are printed on the rest of the 
principal display panel of the package. If mandatory features do appear below the 
header label, the net weight statement must be placed within the lower 30 percent of 
the total area containing any mandatory information. 
A “Header Label” is a small label applied across the top of a package usually bearing all 
of the mandatory labeling information. The rest of the package is most often a clear film 
containing a meat or poultry product, e.g., luncheon meat. This type of packaging is 
designed to be used on pegboard type displays. 
See: Policy Memo 047 dated May 3, 1982 
“NEW” AND SIMILAR TERMS: 
Terms like “new,” “now,” “improved,” and similar terms may be used within the 
following guidelines: 
1. The terms may only be used for a period of 6 months from the date of the initial 
approval, except as noted in 2., 3., and 4. below. 
2. Extensions to the 6- month period may be granted if: 
a. Processors can demonstrate that production or distribution delays precluded 
the use of the approved labeling as scheduled. In such situations, the lost time 
can be restored. 
b. Processors can demonstrate that labeling inventory needs for the 6- month 
period were over estimated due to poor sales. The processors must maintain 
records which indicate the amount and the date the labeling was originally 
purchased. In this situation, up to an additional 6 months can be granted. No 
further extension will be considered.          
           
          
   
 
         
           
               
                    
                
       
 
      
 
    
 
        
 
   
 
         
 
            
    
 
          
 
 
 
               
               
    
 
 
   
 
       
            
        
                    
            
            
             
  3. In those situations where it is customary to distribute “new” products to various 
geographical regions, each geographic area may receive a sketch approval for 6 
months if the processor can assure adequate controls over the segregation and 
distribution of the products. 
4. In situations where it is customary to test market product in no more than 
approximately 15 percent of the intended total marketing area before total distribution 
begins, labeling for the test market area can receive a sketch approval and also be 
included in the 6-month sketch approval given to the labeling of the product 
distributed to the total marketing area. Processors must be able to assure that only 15 
percent of the total market is involved in test marketing. 
See: Policy Memo 107 dated August 18, 1987 
NEW ENGLAND BOILED DINNER: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent cooked “Corned Beef.” 
NEW ORLEANS STYLE: 
Acceptable for products that contain any five of the following ingredients: 
Roux base, rice, onion, green onions garlic, celery, bell peppers, cayenne pepper, 
white pepper, parsley, or tomato. 
The product may contain various protein sources including seafood and game. 
NITRITE: 
Calculations should be based on the total meat block including the muscle tissue, fat and 
blood (e.g., “Blood Pudding”). If the product is cured, the blood would be included and 
considered part of the meat. 
NON- AMENABLE PRODUCT/VOLUNTARY INSPECTION: 
[Examples of non-amenable products are sandwiches containing meat or poultry, clam 
chowder which has less than 1 percent bacon for export to Japan, and natural casings for 
export].  Any non- amenable product can be produced under voluntary inspection when 
requested (9 CFR 318.13 and Subchapter B, Part 350.3(c)). However, most FSIS 
requirements have to be met concerning labeling, i.e., mandatory labeling features, an 
accurate ingredients statement, handling statement, etc. Safe Handling Instructions are 
not required even for raw non-amenable products. FDA nutrition labeling rules apply to 
such products.       
 
                  
             
              
      
 
    
 
                 
            
             
             
                
           
 
              
          
 
      
  
 
            
 
 
                
           
             
              
            
  
 
               
            
             
              
           
               
            
             
               
            
          
             
      NON- DAIRY WHITE SAUCE OR NON- DAIRY SAUCE: 
A sauce made with a non- dairy creamer. If this type of a sauce is proposed for use with 
“Chipped Beef,” a suitable name would be “Non -Dairy White Sauce with Chipped Beef” 
or “Non -Dairy Sauce with Chipped Beef.” The reference to “Cream” or any of its 
derivations should not appear in the product name. 
NONSPECIFIC MEAT FOOD PRODUCTS: 
Red meat items of this type do not have specific requirements, i.e., they do not possess a 
standard of identity or composition. Consequently, these products shall be identified by 
one of two ways: (1) A descriptive name that identifies characterizing components and/or 
ingredients, or (2) a fanciful or coined name that is accompanied by an ingredients 
statement. The latter approach should be used when the use of a descriptive name is not 
practical, e.g., when the descriptive name would read like an ingredients statement. 
When a fanciful name or coined name is used, the ingredients statement should appear 
contiguous to the product name on the principal display panel of an immediate container. 
NONSTANDARDIZED COOKED SAUSAGE PRODUCTS CONTAINING BOTH 
LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY INGREDIENTS: 
The labeling of nonstandardized cooked sausage products must comply with 9 CFR 
319.180. 
Meat food products are those in which more than 50 percent of the livestock and poultry 
product portion consists of livestock ingredients. Such cooked sausage products which 
contain poultry ingredients at more than 15 percent of the total ingredients (excluding 
water) must have product names that indicate the species of livestock and kind(s) of 
poultry ingredients, e.g., “Beef and Turkey Frankfurter” or “Frankfurter Made From Beef 
and Turkey.” 
Poultry food products are those in which more than 50 percent of the livestock and 
poultry products portion consists of poultry. Livestock ingredients at more than 20 
percent of the total poultry and livestock ingredients must have product names that 
indicate the kind(s) of poultry and species of livestock ingredients, e.g., “Turkey and Beef 
Frankfurter” or “Frankfurter Made From Turkey and Beef.” Such cooked sausage 
products which contain livestock ingredients at 20 percent or less of the total poultry and 
livestock ingredients must have product names that are appropriately qualified to indicate 
the inclusion of livestock ingredients, e.g., “Turkey Frankfurter -Pork Added or Turkey 
Frankfurter - With Pork. ” (The product names of cooked sausage products which 
contain no livestock ingredients designate the kind(s) of poultry ingredients, e.g., “Turkey 
Frankfurter.”) Cooked sausage products containing over 50 percent meat ingredients 
would carry the red meat legend while those containing over 50 percent poultry 
ingredients would carry the poultry legend.             
       
         
 
 
           
 
  
 
            
                 
           
 
              
            
 
 
              
             
             
       
 
            
               
          
 
 
                
      
 
      
 
 
  
 
              
           
 
 
 
            
      
 
   See: Policy Memo 087A regarding word size in the labeling of product names. 
See: Policy Memo 005A dated November 25, 1987 
NOODLE CHICKEN VEGETABLE DINNER OR NOODLE CHICKEN DINNER WITH 
VEGETABLES: 
(Canned or in glass jars). Product must contain at least 6 percent cooked chicken. 
NUGGET LABELING: 
Nuggets are irregularly shaped, usually bite-sized meat and/or poultry products which are 
usually breaded and deep fat fried and intended to be used as finger foods. There are a 
number of different types of nuggets, the labeling for which is: 
(1) Products made from a solid piece of meat or poultry may use the term “Nugget” as 
part of the product name without further qualification (e.g., “Chicken Nugget,” “Beef 
Nugget”). 
(2) Products made from chopped and formed meat or poultry may use the term 
“Nugget” as part of the product name, provided a qualifying statement describing such 
process is shown contiguous to the product name (e.g., “Chicken Nugget, Chopped and 
Formed” or “Beef Nugget, Chopped and Formed”). 
(3) Products made from chopped meat or poultry and containing binders, extenders 
and/or water may use the term “Nugget” as a fanciful name, provided a descriptive name 
immediately follows “Species” or “Kind” nugget (e.g., “Breaded Nugget -Shaped Chicken 
Patties”). (4) Products described in (1), (2), and (3) above which are breaded shall be labeled as 
“breaded” and shall be limited to 30 percent breading. 
See: Policy Memo 088 dated May 23, 1985 
OAT FIBER: 
“Oat fiber,” should be identified in the ingredients statement as “isolated oat product.” It 
may be used in non -standardized products and in products, such as, “taco fillings.” 
OLEOMARGARINE: 
The Establishment Number may be omitted from the outer container, provided that 
articles are completely labeled including Establishment Number inside. 
See: 9 CFR 317.2(i)    
 
             
 
  
 
          
 
  
 
         
 
          
 
           
          
         
        
               
    
 
  
 
            
           
             
              
              
               
             
             
 
 
              
             
             
               
                 
    OMELET, DENVER OR WESTERN STYLE: 
Product must contain at least 18 percent ham with onions and green and/or red peppers. 
OMELET, FLORENTINE: 
Product must contain at least 9 percent cooked meat and must contain spinach. 
OMELETS WITH: 
Bacon - must contain at least 9 percent cooked bacon 
Chicken Livers - must contain at least 12 percent cooked liver 
Corned Beef Hash - must contain at least 25 percent corned beef hash 
Creamed Beef - must contain at least 25 percent creamed beef 
Ham - must contain at least 18 percent cooked ham 
Sausage - must contain at least 12 percent dry sausage 
Sausage and Cheese, (omelet with pepperoni, cheese and sauce) - must contain at least 9 
percent sausage in the total product. 
OPEN DATING: 
Labels showing further qualifying phrases in addition to the explanatory phrase must 
submit with the application sufficient documentation to support these additional claims. 
See (9 CFR 317.8(b)(32) and 9 CFR 381.129(c).) Some local authorities require that 
packaged foods heated and sold hot from industrial catering vehicles be dated with the 
day the foods were placed in the warming units (e.g., Tuesday, Friday, etc.). When 
assured by the local authorities that the foods are under a rigid local inspection program, 
the designations may be approved without an explanatory statement as required by the 
regulations. To date, only the county of Los Angeles, California, has provided this 
assurance. 
The packing date should be shown on immediate or shipping containers of poultry food 
products as required by regulations (9 CFR 381.126 and 381.129(c)). When meat or 
poultry products are packed and held in freezer storage for later repacking, the 
explanatory phrase on repacked product should be in terms of “sell by” or “use before.” 
However, if a “packed on” phrase is desired, the date shown shall be that of the original 
packing of the product.     
 
                
    
 
   
 
               
                
     
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
          
 
 
  
 
 
 
               
             
  
 
              
         
            
      
 
              
               
            
  
 
                
             
           
        OSTRICH AND OTHER RATITES (EMU): 
Products that do not contain 3 percent of beef, pork, chicken or turkey, can not contain 
cure ingredients, i.e., Nitrite, nitrate. 
PAELLA CON BACALAO (SP): 
Product must contain at least 35 percent cooked meat or poultry meat and include seafood 
and no more than 25 percent cooked rice. The label must show true product name, e.g., 
“Beef and Fish with Rice.” 
PAPAIN: 
Meat and poultry products that are dipped in a solution containing papain are require to 
show in conjunction with the product name a statement, for example, “Tenderized with a solution of (list ingredients of solution).” Carcasses of animals treated with papain by ante -
mortem injection are required to be roller branded “Tenderized with Papain.”  Parts not so marked are required to be labeled as “Tenderized with Papain.”  
See: 9 CFR 317.8(b) (25) 
9 CFR 381.120 
9 CFR 424.21 
Enzymes -Proteolytic 
PAPRIKA: 
Generally, paprika and/or oleoresin of paprika are not permitted in or on fresh red meat 
products, fresh ground poultry, or fresh poultry sausage. They are permitted under the 
following conditions: 
1. In both red meat and poultry products where such ingredients are acceptable and 
expected, including Italian Sausage, Salisica, Chorizo, Longaniza, and Hungarian 
Style products. All requests for additional products should be referred to the 
Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff to determine their acceptability. 
2. On red meat products where their use does not misrepresent the leanness or 
freshness, e.g., application to a surface layer of fat and not to the muscle tissue. 
However, the name must be appropriately qualified, e.g., “coated with paprika” or 
“artificially colored.” 
3. In or on products where they are expected and the product name discloses this fact, 
or the product name refers to a component expected to contain the ingredients. 
Examples include: “Beef with Barbecue Sauce,” “Beef -Barbecue Flavor,” “Chicken 
Paprikash,” “Chicken with Orange Sauce,” or similar type products.              
        
 
 
 
            
            
  
 
         
 
      
 
             
              
          
             
                 
               
      
 
   
  
 
       
 
             
               
               
              
             
 
               
               
        
 
    
 
      
 
               
            
        
 
     4. In fresh whole muscle poultry products, provided their presence is properly described, 
e.g., “coated with paprika,” or “artificially colored,” as appropriate. 
PARTIALLY COOKED: 
1. Partially cooked bacon – acceptable nomenclature if shrink requirement for fully 
cooked bacon is not met must meet requirements for trichinae treatment. Cooking 
instructions are required. 
2. Partially cooked poultry – unacceptable for cooked poultry products. 
PARTIALLY DEFATTED (BEEF OR PORK) FATTY TISSUE: 
These are byproducts produced from fatty trimmings containing less than 12 percent lean 
meat. These ingredients may be used in meat products in which byproducts are acceptable. 
Products include nonspecific loaves, beef patties, frankfurters with byproducts, bologna 
with variety meats, imitation sausage, potted meat food product, sauces, or gravies. May 
be used in excess of the amounts of meat necessary to satisfy the standard for only the 
products listed in the Policy Book. However, in this situation, the PDCB or PDCP must 
always be declared in the ingredients statement. 
See: 9 CFR 319.15(e) 9 
CFR 319.29(a) 
PARTIALLY DEFATTED CHOPPED (Beef or Pork) (PDCB, PDCP): 
1. Partially Defatted Chopped Beef is not permitted in hamburger, ground or chopped 
beef. The School Lunch Program requires that when PDCB is used in products like taco 
mix, which later may be used in preparing other products (e.g., tacos or patties), the 
PDCB or PDCP must always be declared in the ingredients statement on the labeling 
of the taco mix. All Beef or 100 percent Beef is acceptable as product name. 
2. Partially Defatted Chopped may be used in excess of meat necessary to satisfy the 
standards on only the products listed in the Policy Book. However, in this situation, the 
PDCP must always be declared in the ingredients statement. 
See: MPI Manual 18.55 
PARTIALLY DEFATTED COOKED (Beef or Pork) FATTY TISSUE: 
This product may be used as an ingredient in: Beef patties (cooked and uncooked), Potted 
meat food product, Sauces, Gravies, Imitation sausage, and Nonspecific loaves. No limit on 
quantity is made. It is believed to be self-limiting.           
     
        
    
          
          
          
           
        
          
    
      
          
    
            
    
            
    
           
    
          
    
           
    
           
  
           
    
           
    
         
         
    
         
   
         
        
   
          
        
   
          
        
   
     
   
           
        
   
    
  THE AMOUNT AND LABELING OF PDCB AND PDCP IN FOOD PRODUCTS 
CLASS FOOD CATEGORY AMOUNT LABELING 
Beef or Pork, or both 
I Beef Patties No Limit Beef or Pork, or both 
Imitation Sausage No Limit Beef or Pork, or both 
Non Specific Loaf No Limit Beef or Pork, or both 
Potted Meat Food Product No Limit Beef or Pork, or both 
Patty Mix No Limit Always must be declared 
Beef for Roasting 12  percent of Meat Block 
II Chinese Egg roll and other 
Chinese Specialties Up to 12 percent of the Meat 
Block Beef or Pork 
Chopped Beef Steak Up to 12 percent of the Meat 
Block Beef or Pork 
Corned Beef Hash Up to 12 percent of the Meat 
Block Beef or Pork 
Fabricated Steaks Up to 12 percent of the Meat 
Block Beef or Pork 
Pepper Steak Up to 12 percent of the Meat 
Block Beef or Pork 
Salisbury Steak Up to 12 percent of the Meat 
Block Beef or Pork 
Luncheon Meat (nonspecific) Up to 25 percent of Meat 
Block 
Pizza Meat Topping Up to 25 percent of Meat 
Block Beef or Pork 
Pizza With Meat Up to 25 percent of Meat 
Block Beef or Pork 
Cooked Sausage (9 CFR 
319.180 (b)) Up to 15 percent of Meat 
Block Always must be declared 
Pepperoni Up to 15 percent of Meat 
Block Must be declared 
III Chili Up to 25 percent of Meat 
Block or larger As beef; or pork, if 
larger must be declared 
Meat Loaf Up to 25 percent of Meat 
Block or larger As beef; or pork, if 
larger must be declared 
Meat Balls Up to 25 percent of Meat 
Block or larger As beef; or pork, if 
larger must be declared 
Meat Fillings for Tacos, 
Burritos, Enchiladas, Tamales 
and other Mexican Foods Up to 25 percent of Meat 
Block or larger As beef; or pork, if 
larger must be declared 
IV Corned Beef Hash Up to 12 percent of Total Product 
Formulation Beef                
 
 
   
 
     
 
  
 
              
           
 
 
  
 
             
            
 
 
 
 
              
           
           
 
 
 
 
               
            
           
            
             
              
   
 
  
 
      
   
 
  
               
             
               
  
  Note: All percentages as calculated on the basis of the fresh weight of meat content. 
PARTIALLY HYDROLYZED WHEY PROTEIN: 
An acceptable ingredient name for a binder. 
PASTELLES (SP): 
Product must contain at least 10 percent fresh meat. Product is always made with 
pork in Puerto Rico. The label must show the true product name, e.g., “Pork 
Pastelles.” 
PASTELLILLOS (SP): 
Puerto Rican Style product containing at least 8 percent cooked meat. Species is 
part of the product name. The label must show the true product name, e.g., “Pork 
Pastellillos.” 
PASTITSIO: 
(Greek for casserole). Product must contain at least 25 percent fresh meat or 18 
percent cooked meat. A product containing macaroni, ground beef, tomato paste, 
wine, white sauce, and Parmesan cheese that may be labeled “Greek Style 
Pastitsio.” 
PASTRAMI: 
Cooked cured beef with spices, generally made from the plate but other cuts can be 
used. The product must be smoked or treated with smoke flavoring. “Pastrami, 
Water Added” is not permitted, although similar products labeled according to 
Policy Memo 084A are permitted. The term “Unsmoked Cooked Pastrami” must be 
used when the product is not smoked or does not contain smoke flavoring. 
Pastrami may or may not be coated with spices. When product is coated, a 
qualifier is not required. 
PASTRAMI JERKY: 
Acceptable name for product processed as pastrami prior to meeting the 
requirements for jerky. 
PASTRAMI, TURKEY: 
A cured turkey product that is cooked. The product must be smoked or treated with 
smoke flavoring. The term “Unsmoked Cooked Turkey Pastrami” must be used when the 
product is not smoked or does not contain smoke flavoring. Cured turkey thigh meat is 
an acceptable name.    
 
                 
          
 
   
 
          
    
    
 
      
 
 
 
          
 
        
 
                
       
 
           
 
                 
             
                
 
 
               
       
 
             
            
            
  
 
        
 
               
             
 
 
                
     
 
  PASTY (CORNISH STYLE): 
Product must contain at least 25 percent beef. Product consists of a round or square of 
piecrust with a filling of chopped beef, potatoes, and onions. 
PATE DE FOIE: 
Product must contain at least 30 percent liver. Pate means paste; foie means liver. 
See: Foile Gras Products 
PATTIE FOLDOVER MIT DRESSING: 
Product must contain at least 50 percent pattie. 
PATTIES: 
Chopped and shaped and similar terms not required on products labeled patties. 
1. Paprika not permitted in fresh meat patties. 
2. PDCB or PDCP may be listed as beef or pork, except in patties with mechanically 
separated (species) product and school lunch labeled products. 
3. PDBFT and PDPFT permitted. Must show as such in the ingredients statement. 
4. Meat patties, with added fat up to 20 percent of the meat block, from a source 
other than that shown in the name, show as added (ex., Veal Patties, Beef Fat 
Added): over 20 percent to be part of the product name, e.g., “Veal and Beef Fat 
Patties.” 
5. Ground beef patties - no extenders or water added. Hamburger patties - no extenders 
or water added. Same requirement as hamburger. 
6. Pre-broiled beef patties with simulated stripes (patties are deposited on conveyor and 
pre-broiled). Parallel stripes are applied with a solution of caramel coloring and 
water through parallel spigots. Product name will identify artificial color marks on 
the label. 
7. Antioxidants are permitted in pork or beef patties both raw and cooked. 
8. Beef Patties: If beef byproducts are added which are not permitted by the standard, 
the list of ingredients must immediately follow the product name. See: 9 CFR 
319.15(c) 
9. Pork Patties: The standard for beef patties 9 CFR 319.15(c) shall be applied with the 
exception that the species is pork.   
 
              
     
 
  
 
          
 
 
 
                
               
   
 
 
 
               
               
              
              
             
      
 
 
 
              
               
             
               
              
             
        
 
  
 
      
 
   
               
             
                
               
               
   
 
  PAUPIETTE (FR): 
Thinly sliced pieces of meat stuffed and rolled. Same standard as “Beef Roulade,” which 
is at least 50 percent cooked meat. 
PEANUT FLOUR: 
Can only be used in nonspecific products that are not subject to moisture controls. 
PECTIN: 
Can be used at a maximum use level of 3 percent in nonstandardized meat and poultry 
food products. The common and usual name of the ingredient, regardless of its source, is 
“pectin” (21 CFR 184.1588). 
PEPPER: 
The term “pepper”: as used in the Italian sausage regulation refers to the pungent spices, 
such as: black, white, cayenne, or red pepper. “Paprika” as an optional ingredient is less 
pungent and is used primarily for its coloring qualities. Bell peppers, chilies, paprika and 
cayenne or red pepper, are from the capsicum pepper family. These products have 
specific uses and are recognized by specific names. “Paprika” should not be substituted 
for “pepper” in a meat or poultry food product. 
PEPPERONI: 
A dry sausage prepared from pork or pork and beef. Combinations containing more than 
55 percent beef are called beef and pork pepperoni. Pepperoni made with beef must be 
called beef pepperoni. Pepperoni must be treated for destruction of possible live trichinae 
and must have an MPR of 1.6:1 or less. Antioxidants are permitted in pepperoni. The 
casing, before stuffing, or the finished product, may be dipped in a potassium sorbate 
solution to retard mold growth. Extenders and binders are not permitted in pepperoni. 
Hearts, tongues, and other byproducts are not acceptable ingredients. 
PEPPERONI, COOKED: 
Cooked pepperoni is not an acceptable product name. 
PEPPERONI WITH POULTRY: 
Poultry may be added to pepperoni if properly labeled. If the meat block contains 20 
percent or less poultry, the product is labeled “Pepperoni with Turkey (kind) Added.” 
When poultry over 20 percent of the meat and poultry block product is labeled “Pork and 
Turkey (kind) Pepperoni,” an MPR of 1.6:1 is applied. If the amount of poultry exceeds 
that of the meat, the product label reads “Turkey and Pork Pepperoni.” This would carry 
a poultry legend.     
 
         
 
        
  
 
          
             
             
            
                   
           
           
 
 
           
            
 
 
                
              
            
            
             
          
  
 
             
              
          
          
            
        
           
            
             
           
      
 
  
 
            
           
             
             
            
  PEPPERS AND COOKED SAUSAGE IN SAUCE: 
Product must contain at least 20 percent cooked sausage in total formulation. 
PERISHABLE UNCURED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS IN HERMETICALLY 
SEALED CONTAINERS: 
Establishments seeking approval of label applications for perishable, uncured products 
which have received a less rigorous heat treatment than traditionally canned product (9 
CFR 318 and 381, SUBPARTS G and X, respectively) must submit a sufficiently detailed 
processing procedure either incorporated on or attached to the FSIS Form 7234-1, 
APPLICATION FOR APPROVALS OF LABELS, MARKING OR DEVICE. The 
procedure must include a description of product formulation, method(s) of preparation, 
cooking and cooling temperatures, type of container, and cooking and handling 
instructions. 
Hermetically sealed containers include glass jars, metal cans, flexible retortable pouches, 
plastic semi-rigid containers, etc., that are airtight and/or impervious after filling and 
sealing. The policy does not apply to raw meat or poultry, cooked or roast beef, cooked poultry 
rolls and similar products, whole or uncut cured products, or products that are distributed 
and marketed frozen. However, products containing cured meat or poultry as components 
in combination with raw vegetables, e.g., pasta salads and other chilled meat/poultry 
meals or entrees containing raw or partially cooked vegetables, are covered under this 
policy, provided the above- mentioned procedural attributes are indicative of the 
manufacturing process. 
In addition, an approved partial quality control program (PQCP) is required which must 
address the critical points in the manufacturing process. As such, the PQCP must contain 
a detailed description of: ingredient storage controls, product formulation and 
preparation, container filling and sealing, any heat treatment (times/temperatures) applied, 
including a description of the equipment used, any other treatments applied, cooling 
procedures (times/temperatures), lot identification procedures; finished product storage 
conditions, in plant quality control procedures, and records maintenance procedures. The 
PQCP must be forwarded to the Processed Products Inspection Division (PPID) for 
appropriate review and approval before the product label may be used. Guidelines for 
development of PQCP's for these products may be obtained from PPID upon request. 
See: Policy Memo 110 dated December 8, 1987 
PET FOOD: 
1. Certified pet food is manufactured under fee-for-service inspection in a facility 
approved for the manufacture of animal food. Labeling regulations for certified 
animal food specify that approval is granted by the labeling staff. However, final 
approvals are not granted since LCPS no longer grants final approvals. Rather, the 
company should keep a copy of the final label attached to the sketch approval.               
               
             
             
             
       
 
  
 
            
      
 
   
 
            
             
             
         
 
      
 
              
           
         
 
  
 
              
               
    
 
   
                
             
                 
       
 
  
 
                
     
 
 
 
               
        
 
  2. Most food for animal consumption produced in a Federal facility is non-certified. It 
is not an inspected product; therefore, it is inedible product and does not bear any 
mark of inspection. The product has to be conspicuously labeled to distinguish it 
from human food. Additionally, the labeling must be in conformance with 21 CFR 
Part 501, Animal Food Labeling since animal food labeling is also under the 
jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration. 
PFEFFERWURST (GR): 
Product should conform to sausage standard and contain whole peppercorn. Pork livers, 
pork stock, and beef blood are not acceptable ingredients. 
PHOSPHATED TRIMMINGS IN LOAVES: 
Trimmings from preparation of pork cuts, cured with approved phosphates besides other 
curing ingredients, may be used without limitation in loaves other than meat loaves. 
When such trimmings are used, phosphates may be listed in the ingredients statement 
using the term “sodium phosphates” or other applicable generic terms. 
PHOSPHATES IN DIPPING SOLUTIONS CONTAINING PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES: 
Phosphates have been approved for use as buffering agents in dry mixtures intended for 
solutions containing proteolytic enzymes. The phosphates should not exceed 0.1 percent 
of the “tenderizing” solution if they are to be considered incidental additives. 
PICADILLO (SP): 
Product must contain at least 35 percent cooked meat. A Mexican style hash usually 
made with beef, garlic, onions, vinegar, and raisins. The species should be in the product 
name, e.g., “Beef Picadillo.” 
PICKLED PRODUCTS, DRY PACKED: 
Products that are pickled and dry packed should be qualified with the name of the pickle 
as part of the product name, e.g., “Knockwurst Pickled with Vinegar,” or “Knockwurst 
Pickled.” The weight of the package shall be the weight of the product less the weight of 
the pickle that will weep out of the product. 
PIE FILLING: 
Product must contain at least 37 percent meat. Poultry pie filling must contain at least 
18.75 percent cooked poultry meat. 
PIES: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent meat. Meat in the gravy may be counted. 
Poultry pies require at least 14 percent cooked poultry meat.     
 
               
     
 
  
 
            
 
  
 
        
      
  
 
                    
                  
        
 
  
 
                
               
    
 
 
               
               
              
              
  
 
      
 
  
 
               
         
 
   
 
             
            
                 
  
 
  PIES, ENGLISH STYLE -AUSTRALIAN STYLE: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent meat or meat byproduct. Contains gravy and no 
vegetables with a puff pastry top. 
PIMENTO (SP): 
Refers to allspice, but must be specifically named. It is also known as Jamaica pepper. 
PIMIENTO SAUSAGE: 
Pimientos permitted when declared in product name as “Pimiento Sausage.” 
See: Policy Memo 120 dated August 1, 1990 
PINKELWURST (GR): 
A cooked product that is stuffed in a casing with a diameter of from 1 1/2 to 2 inches and 
a length of about 10 to 12 inches. It is formulated with beef fat, pork fat, onions, oat 
groats, water, and sufficient spice to satisfy seasoning requirements. 
PIROSHKI OR PIROGI: 
Product must contain at least 10 percent cooked meat. A Russian or Jewish dish made of 
thin rolled dough or pastry that is filled and either steamed, baked, or fried. They 
resemble small turnovers, pockets, or raviolis. 
PIZZA: 
Products identified as “pizzas” that contain a meat or poultry component as part of the 
product name are no longer required to contain a minimum amount of meat or poultry 
provided that the meat component is sufficient to make the product subject to USDA 
jurisdiction. An antioxidant used in pepperoni or sausage need only be reflected in the 
ingredients statement. 
See: 9 CFR 317.8(b)(40) and 9 CFR 381.129(f) 
PIZZA BURGER: 
Product meets the burger standard, e.g., hamburger or ground beef patty. It can be two 
patties with cheese (usually Romano) and/or tomato or pizza sauce between the patties. 
PIZZA, CHICAGO STYLE: 
Acceptable labeling for a product which has been manufactured by first placing the 
cheese on the crust, then following with the meat and then the sauce. Condimental 
quantities of a grated cheese may then be placed on the top. The product usually has the 
deep dish characteristics.     
 
           
           
           
   
 
      
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
          
 
 
  
 
              
              
                   
      
 
  
 
                
              
               
             
            
              
    
 
    
 
      
 
  
 
         
 
  
 
              
 
  PIZZA CONTAINING CHEESE SUBSTITUTES: 
The labels for products containing cheese in a ratio less than one part cheese to nine parts 
cheese substitute, need to include additional qualifying information. Example: Pizza -
Sausage, cheese substitute and cheese; Combination Pizza -Sausage -Pepperoni -
Imitation Cheese and Cheese. 
See: Policy Memo 01 dated May 6, 1980 
PIZZA DOGS: 
A nonspecific product. 
PIZZA, PAN STYLE: 
Pizza that is marketed in a pan and contains a thick crust. 
PIZZA PUPS: 
Product has two crusts, filled with a mixture of pork, tomato puree, and condimental 
substances. The finished article is approximately 8 inches in length, 2 1/2 inches wide 
with a thickness of 3/4 inches. It is a type of pizza. The label must show a true product 
name, e.g., “Pork and Sauce Filling in A Crust.” 
PIZZA ROLL: 
This is a nonspecific meat food product. When the name appears on a label, there must 
be a contiguous statement identifying the major components of the product or a complete 
ingredient listing. There are two major types of pizza rolls. One is a cooked sausage -like 
meat food product that contains cheese, usually contains peppers and has no water 
limitation. The second type consists of a roll-shaped dough enclosure with various 
fillings. A manufacturer of the latter type of product has asserted trademark protection of 
the term “pizza roll.” 
PIZZA SAUCE WITH SAUSAGE: 
Product contains at least 6 percent sausage. 
PIZZA SAUSAGE: 
Not an acceptable name. Product must be labeled “Sausage for Pizza.” 
PIZZA, SICILIAN STYLE: 
A thick crust pizza. The crust is usually 50 percent or greater of the total pizza product.     
 
               
             
             
                
    
 
     
 
    
 
           
              
 
   
 
             
 
 
                
  
                       
      
 
        
           
          
 
 
   
 
             
              
         
 
 
  
 
             
              
                  
             
                
    
 
       
 
  PIZZA TOPPING CONTAINING SAUSAGE: 
The sausage portion of cooked pizza topping contains up to 10 percent water and 3.5 
percent binders (9 CFR 319.140). The formulation must indicate the sausage portion of 
the pizza topping. However, the ingredients statement of the cooked pizza topping does 
not have to list “sausage” in its sublisting. There are no restrictions on the amount of 
seasonings in the sausage portion. 
1. Pizza topping must be cooked. 
2. In the sausage portion: 
a. Water ≤ (less than or equal to) 10 percent of the sausage portion 
b. Binders including TVP ≤ (less than or equal to) 3.5 percent of the 
sausage portion 
c. Seasonings are unlimited 
3. The ingredients statement of the pizza topping can be arranged in different 
ways: 
a. Composite e.g., cooked pizza topping [pork, water, TVP (…), 
Seasonings (…)] 
b. Component, e.g., cooked pizza topping [sausage (pork, water, 
seasonings (…), TVP (…), water (…)] 
These parameters do not apply when specific sausage products are subject to other 
regulations, e.g., Italian Sausage. In these situations, the specific regulation (i.e., Italian 
Sausage) provides the requirements, such as, the amount of water and binders are 
permitted. 
PIZZA TOPPING MIX: 
A nonspecific product, which includes products with names that indicate the type of meat 
or poultry in the product (e.g., Chicken and Pork Pizza Topping or Beef Pizza Topping). 
Antioxidants are permitted, see 9 CFR 424.21. Water, extenders, and binders are 
acceptable. 
PIZZA, WORD SIZE: 
When a pizza has a true product name, e.g., “Combination Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza,” 
the true product name must be prominent, conspicuous, and legible, with all words at 
least one-third the size of the largest letter in any word of the product name. If on the 
label the manufacturer also elects to display elsewhere the word “Pizza” in exaggerated 
fashion, the word “Pizza” is not considered in the determination of the size of the letters 
within the true product name. 
See: Policy Memo 087A dated September 16, 1985       
 
            
             
            
             
              
               
              
              
 
 
      
 
             
    
 
               
                
       
 
                
 
 
              
      
 
               
                
 
 
        
 
                
  
 
            
  
 
              
                
                
             
               
                 
                   
                   
        
 
              PFF (PROTEIN FAT FREE) ADJUSTING FOR USE: 
Protein Fat Free (PFF) controlled cured pork products with qualifying statements, e.g., 
“Ham -Water Added,” may be used in place of PFF controlled cured pork products 
without qualifying statements, e.g., Ham, to meet the minimum meat requirements of 
various products. However, the amounts of the PFF controlled cured pork products with 
qualifying statements used will need to be increased. For example, if a standard requires 
a certain amount of Ham and a processor wishes to use “Ham -Water Added,” a greater 
amount of the “Ham -Water Added” will be needed to meet the standard. The magnitude 
of the additional amount is directly related to the relationship between the respective PFF 
values. 
See: Policy Memo 093 dated December 16, 1985 
Example: Ham Salad requires 35 percent Cooked Ham. “Ham Water Added” will be 
used in the product formula. 
Calculation: Multiply the PFF value for Ham (20.5) by the amount of required Ham (35 
percent). Divide this answer by the PFF value of the product being used to formulate the 
product. (In this example, PFF value for “Ham -Water Added” is 17.0.) 
Answer: [(0.35 x 20.5) / 17.0] x 100 = 42.21 percent “Ham -Water Added” needed in the 
formula. 
Example: Ham Pie requires 25 percent Ham based on green weight. “Ham with Natural 
Juices” will be used in the product formula. 
Calculation: Multiply the PFF value for Ham (20.5) by the amount of required ham (25 
percent). Divide this answer by the PFF value of the product being used to formulate the 
product. (In this example, PFF value for “Ham with Natural Juices” is 18.5.) 
Answer: [(0.25 x 20.5) / 18.5] x 100 = 27.70 percent “Ham with Natural Juices” needed in 
the formula. 
ADJUSTING FOR “HAM AND WATER PRODUCT X percent OF THE WEIGHT IS 
ADDED INGREDIENTS.” 
Consider a formulated product which is required to contain at least 50 percent Cooked 
Ham. If the processor chooses to use a “Ham and Water Product (HWP)” in which 20 
percent of the weight is added ingredients as the source of the Ham in the formulation, 
this product contains 80 percent Ham and 20 percent added ingredients. Clearly, the 
processor must use more than 50 percent HWP in the process. Using 50 percent HWP 
would result in only 40 percent Ham in the finished product, i.e., the added ingredients in the 
HWP represents 25 percent of the ham content. (If it were a 10 lb. HWP, there would be 8 
lbs. of Ham and 2 lbs. of added ingredients. (2 / 8 x 100 = 25 percent). Consequently, an 
additional 25 percent of HWP is required in the formulation. 
The following example may be used to determine the percentage HWP needed to equal  
 
               
       
 
         
       
 
          
   
 
        
           
      
 
                 
            
  
 
 
       
 
    
 
         
      
         
           
             
             
 
           
         
          
         
           
          
           
  
 
            
           
          
     
 
             
        
  
 
        
 Ham: 
Ham and Gravy requires 50 percent Cooked Ham. “Ham and Water Product 20 percent of 
Weight is Added Ingredients” will be used in the formulation. 
Step 1: Subtract the percent added ingredients from 100 percent. 
In this example: 1.00 - 0.20 = 0.80) 
Step 2: Determine the amount of Ham needed in the formula. (In 
this example: 50 percent) 
Step 3: Divide the amount of Ham required. 
Determined in Step 2) by the answer in Step 1 (In 
this example: (0.50 / 0.80 = 0.625) 
Step 4: Multiply the answer in Step 3 by 100. Answer for this example is 62.50 percent 
“Ham and 20 percent Water Product” is needed as the equivalent of 50 
percent Ham. 
PLANTATION: 
The regulations and policies applicable to “Farm” also apply to plantation. 
POINT OF PURCHASE MATERIALS: 
Point of purchase materials which refer to specific meat or poultry products are 
considered labeling under certain circumstances. When printed and/or graphic 
informational materials (e.g., pamphlets, brochures, posters, etc.) accompany or are 
applied to products or any of their containers or wrappers at the point of purchase, such 
materials and the claims that they bear are deemed labeling and they are subject to the 
provisions of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act. 
Although the Food Labeling Division (FLD) does not exercise its authority to subject 
point of purchase materials to specific prior approval (materials shipped with the products 
from the federally inspected establishment are an exception), we do expect point of 
purchase materials to be in accordance with the Federal regulations and all current 
labeling policies. Upon request, FLD will review and comment on the point of purchase 
materials submitted to our office. During the review process, promotional materials will 
be scrutinized for special claims, particularly those related to nutrition, diet, and animal 
husbandry practices. 
Claims related to nutrition and diet must be made in accordance with all current nutrition 
labeling regulations. Continuing compliance with stated claims will be assured through 
periodic sampling, as necessary. Claims are expected to be within the compliance 
parameters identified in the nutrition labeling regulations. 
Animal husbandry claims (e.g., the nonuse of antibiotics or growth stimulants) may be 
made only for products shipped in containers or wrappers labeled with the same animal 
production claims. 
See: Policy Memo 114A dated August 18, 1994   
 
              
               
              
      
 
              
               
              
            
           
  
 
   
 
          
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
     
 
       
    
        
 
                
         
 
  
 
       
 
    
 
      
 
  
 
              
                
            
    
 
 
 
  POLISH SAUSAGE: 
A sausage that is cured, cooked, and usually smoked. Pork and pork byproducts shall 
comprise at least 50 percent of the meat and meat byproducts ingredients. To have beef 
as a predominant ingredient, the product name would be “Beef and Pork Polish Sausage.” 
Green peppers are permitted up to 4 percent in total formulation. 
An uncured (fresh), uncooked variety with no more than 3 percent water also exists. 
“Fresh” shall be used in the name when the product is uncured. When Fresh Polish 
Sausage is cooked or smoked, then the product name is either “Cooked Fresh Polish 
Sausage” or “Smoked Fresh Polish Sausage.” The requirements of Policy Memo 110 
apply when these perishable, cooked, uncured products are packaged in hermetically 
sealed containers. 
POLYNESIAN STYLE SAUSAGE: 
Product must contain fruit juices, a sweetening agent, and soy sauce. 
POLYSORBATE: 
Permitted in pickling solutions without declaration. 
PORK AND BACON SAUSAGE: 
Up to 50 percent bacon permitted provided: 
1. bacon is brought back to green weight before use. 
2. product is trichinae treated. 
3. product name is “Pork and Bacon Sausage.” 
The standard for “Pork Sausage and/with Bacon” is 10 to 20 percent bacon, and for “Pork 
and Bacon Sausage” is more than 20 percent but not more than 50 percent bacon. 
PORK AND DRESSING: 
Product must contain at least 50 percent cooked pork. 
PORK AND DRESSING WITH GRAVY: 
Product must contain at least 30 percent pork. 
PORK CRACKLINGS: 
Product eligible to be labeled as “Pork Cracklings” must be prepared from fatty tissues 
from which the skin has been detached. If the skin is not removed from the product 
before rendering, a descriptive name, e.g., “Pork Cracklings, Fried -Out Pork Fat with 
Attached Skin,” must be used.  
 
               
                 
               
     
 
  
 
        
    
  
 
               
               
                
     
 
     
 
               
              
                
            
 
 
  
 
         
              
               
               
             
           
       
 
                
             
                
            
               
                
  
 
  PORK FAT: 
Pork fat shall be declared as such in the ingredients statement. Clear fatbacks and clear 
shoulder plates must be declared as “Pork Fat.” Pork fat may be declared as pork in the 
ingredients statement if it contains visible lean and it is used in a standardized product 
which has a fat limitation. 
PORK JOWLS: 
Product may be declared as pork if skinned. 
See: Pork Skins 
PORK SAUSAGE: 
Product identified as pork sausage does not include the use of pork cheeks. When such 
an item is offered as “Whole Hog,” tongues, hearts, and cheeks may be used in the natural 
proportion as found in the hog carcass. “Fresh” shall be used in the name when the 
product is not cured, cooked and/or smoked. 
PORK SKIN RESIDUE AFTER GELATIN EXTRACTION: 
This material consists of back fat skins from which the gelatin has been extracted by 
means of soaking the skin in acid and subsequent low temperature cooking for the 
extraction of gelatin. It is not permitted in sausage but may be used in imitation sausage, 
potted meat food product, loaves (other than meat loaves), and other nonspecific 
products. 
PORK SKINS: 
Not permitted in salami, bologna, frankfurters, Vienna sausage, and braunschweiger. 
When packed in vinegar pickle, they are not permitted to be artificially colored. When 
pork skin, either attached to fat and/or muscle tissue or detached from fat and/or muscle 
tissue, is used to manufacture meat or poultry products, it must be specifically listed in 
the formulation on the label approval application form and in the ingredients statement on 
the label, e.g., “Pork Skins,” Unskinned Pork Jowls,” “Unskinned Pork Shoulder 
Trimming,” “Unskinned Pork Fat,” and “Unskinned Pork Bellies.” 
“Detached skin” refers to the portion of skin from which most of the underlying fat is 
removed, e.g., skin from bacon intended for slicing, skin from closely skinned hams, 
shoulder cuts, fat backs, etc. If removal of skin portions is incidental to removal of a 
considerable proportion of underlying fat from ham, shoulder, back, etc., preparatory to 
rendering such fat, portions of skin so removed should not be regarded as detached skin 
and may be included with fats and rendered into lard. Ham facings are not regarded as 
detached skin.    
 
                
               
         
 
    
 
                
                
              
       
 
     
 
                
                
                
              
 
 
              
 
 
          
 
           
            
 
 
        
        
           
       
      
 
        
  
 
        
        
      
      
 
          
  
  PORK SKINS, FRIED: 
When prepared from the skin of smoked pork bellies, it may be labeled as “Fried Bacon 
Skins,” “Fried Bacon Rinds,” or “Fried Pork Skins.” The kind of skin used must be 
stated on the labeling records when submitted for label approvals. 
PORK SPARE RIBS, CENTER CUT: 
Center cut pork spare ribs refers to pork spare ribs with the loin portion, the brisket 
(brisket must be removed at a point which is dorsal to the curvature of the costal 
cartilages), the tail and two ribs from the shoulder removed, this remaining center section 
may be further portioned or left in one piece. 
PORK SPARERIBS, ST. LOUIS STYLE: 
St. Louis Style Spare Ribs are the same as “Pork Spareribs” except that the sternum and 
the ventral portion of the costal cartilages are removed with the flank portion. This cut is 
made at a point in which the sternum and costal cartilages are removed dorsal to the 
curvature of the costal cartilages. If specified by the purchaser, the diaphragm shall be 
removed. 
This anatomical description of the cut must be provided with the information for label 
approval. 
POTATO SAUSAGE, SWEDISH STYLE, OR POTATO RING OR POTATO PUDDING: 
Labels for sausages and pudding identified as "Potato Sausage," "Potato Brand Sausage," 
"Potato Ring," and "Potato Brand Sausage" may be approved under the following 
guidelines: 
1. The product must contain a minimum of 45 percent meat and no byproducts. 
2. Water must be limited to 3 percent at formulation. 
3. When extenders or binders are used, they must be limited to 3.5 percent or 2 
percent in accordance with 9 CFR 424.21 of the finished product. 
4. The product must include a minimum of 18 percent potatoes. 
Sausage identified as "Swedish Style Potato Sausage" is provided for under the 
following guidelines: 
1. The product must contain a minimum of 65 percent meat and no byproducts 
2. Water must be limited to 3 percent at formulation. 
3. No extenders or binders are permitted. 
4. The product must include a minimum of 18 percent potatoes. 
Meat food product identified as "Potato Pudding" is provided for under the 
following guidelines:  
      
          
         
 
      
 
 
 
                 
               
               
            
 
   
 
             
                 
                   
 
 
  
 
  
  
              
             
              
                
           
        
 
    
 
              
 
   
 
    
  
    
  
  
  
 
   
 1. The product must contain a minimum of 18 percent potatoes. 
2. The product does not meet the other requirements for products identified as 
"Potato Sausage," "Potato Ring," or "Swedish Style Potato Sausage." 
See: Policy Memo 011 dated September 8, 1980 
POULTRY: 
Cuts of poultry that are not identified in 9 CFR 381.168, Table V, may use the maximum 
amount of poultry skin permitted for that “kind.” For example, “turkey” is listed in the 
table and may contain up to 15 percent skin. Therefore, a product identified as “white 
turkey” can be placed in this category for a maximum of 15 percent skin. 
POULTRY, ASSORTED PIECES: 
The product name “Poultry (Kind) Assorted Pieces” is acceptable and does not require 
the product to be in natural proportions. In addition, the term “piece” is not the same as 
the term “part,” i.e., a piece does not have to be a whole part, e.g., a breast, thigh, or 
drumstick. 
POULTRY BACON: 
See: Bacon -Like Products 
POULTRY BREASTS: 
When poultry breasts with ribs are boned and the resulting product contains portions of 
the scapula (shoulder) muscles and/or muscle overlying the vertebral ribs, they must be 
labeled to indicate that fact. Proper names for such products are “Boneless Breast with 
Rib Meat,” White Chicken Meat or White Turkey Meat,” or if the skin is left intact, 
“White Boneless Chicken or White Boneless Turkey.” Product labeled “Boneless Breast” 
without further qualification may not contain scapula or rib meat. 
POULTRY FRANKFURTERS (SIMILAR COOKED SAUSAGES): 
Products which contain pork fat must be labeled with pork fat added in the product name. 
POULTRY GRADING: (LABELING) 
Indicates the quality grades of poultry (U.S. grade A, B, or C).  The shield design contains 
the letters “USDA,” the U.S. grade of the product, and if not shown elsewhere, the class of poultry. Any letter grade on a consumer package or individual carcass indicates the product was graded by a licensed grader of the Federal or Federal -State grading service, and may 
not be applied otherwise.  Letter grades on bulk packaging or shipping containers only indicate that the product is equal to that particular U.S. Grade.      
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
    
   
 
   
    
   
   
  
  
  
    
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
   
 
     
 
 
 A. APPLYING GRADEMARKS TO SHIPPING CONTAINERS 
All poultry classes and kinds listed in 9 CFR 381.170, except necks, giblets, detached tails, wing tips, skin and stripped backs (below Grade C) are eligible for grading. 
In addition, the following poul try parts may be officially graded: 
Boneless, Skinless Breast and Thigh 
Tenderloin or Boneless Breast without Tenderloin Boneless Breast Quarters Breast Quarters with Bone in Boneless Thigh Halves Wing Portion or Section Breast Halves Broiler Turkey or Duck Halves 
Split Breast Split Fryers Skinless, bone-in Thighs, Drums and Breasts Boneless Breast, Thigh Bone-in products marinated in a colorless solution 
Poultry cuts other than those identified above may not be eligible for grading; therefore, particular attention should be given to the product name when approving labels for various poultry products which include grade marks (for example, “Thin Breast Fillets, Thigh Strips”). 
Grade marks on raw poultry parts processed with solutions that may im part color (for 
example, injected with a 5% solution of water, salt, butter) or cooked poultry products are 
required to include a statement, for example, “Prepared from Grade A Poultry.”  The USDA 
grader in the plant makes the final determination concerning the necessity of the “Prepared 
from” statement in situations where it is not apparent at the time of label approval that the added solutions have the ability to impart color to the finished poultry product. Products which may not be grade marked: 
Detached Necks Giblets Packed Separately Detached Tails Wings Tips Stripped Backs Below C Quality Diced or Shredded Meat 
B. WING DESCRIPTION 
The wing is made up of three sections.  The section attached to the carcass is the first 
section.  The wing tip is the third section. 
C. GRADING BACKS WITH NECKS 
In applying grade standards, when necks are packed with backs following these steps:    
    
 
    
       
      
 
  
 
     
   
 
 
     
    
  
 
    
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
  
 
              
              
              
             
        
 
  1. When backs are graded as provided for in the standards, the name of the product is 
required to read as follows: 
a. Grade A Backs “with necks,” or “and necks.”  
b.  Grade B Backs “with necks,” or “and necks.” 
c.  Grade C Backs “with necks,” “Graded backs and necks,” or “backs and necks.” 
2. Necks are to be packed with backs in natural proportions. 
3. Necks may or may not be attached to backs.  Necks for all officially graded backs are to be free from serious discolorations, feathers, pin feathers, and accumulations of blood and/or excess water.  
4.   A neck, front, or hind portion of back, when removed from birds which meet the stated 
quality, may be used to achieve exact weights. Only one of these portions may be used per package.  Scraps of backs or necks may not be used.  
5.   Labels for packages with portions are required to indicate which portions, for example, 
first (1st) portion, 2nd portion, 1st and 2nd portions, 2nd and 3rd portions, etc. 
D.    PRESSURE SENSITIVE STICKERS AND TAPE: 
1.  Inserts or pressure sensitive stickers with the grademark are required to have 
plant number. 2. Grademarks on pressure sensitive tape should not be used on consumer packages.  3.  Insert with the grademarks are not to be used inside opaque bags. 
POULTRY HINDQUARTERS: 
The term “hindquarters” on labels for single cut poultry items is an acceptable alternative 
to the recognized terminology “Leg Quarter” specified in the regulations. The use of the 
term “Hindquarters” requires only a specified class of poultry to be considered a true 
product name, e.g., “Chicken Hindquarters.” Either term refers to a poultry thigh and 
drumstick, with a portion of the back attached.   
 
              
              
               
              
     
 
   
 
              
        
 
       
    
 
  
 
             
                 
               
                 
 
 
  
 
             
              
           
               
             
         
 
     
 
               
             
               
   
 
               
              
            
 
 
           
            POULTRY HINDSADDLES: 
Poultry hindsaddles are connected poultry leg quarters (the rear of the bird). The product 
name “Poultry Hindsaddles” may be used alone on the product's label if the product is not 
intended for retail sale. In contrast, the name “poultry hindsaddles” on the label of a 
product intended for retail sale must be accompanied by a fully descriptive name (e.g., 
“Poultry Hindsaddles, Connected Leg Quarters”). 
POULTRY MEAT, RAW: 
The labeling of raw poultry meat obtained from other than young poultry includes the 
class designation, e.g., “Yearling Turkey Meat” or “Mature Chicken Meat.” 
See: Policy Memo 032 dated September 4, 1981 
See: 9 CFR 381.117(b) 
POULTRY PARTS: 
Specific net weight packages for poultry parts, usually those containing legs or wings, 
include a single part, e.g., a drumstick or thigh, to make the stated weight. The name on 
the label must reflect this practice, e.g. “Chicken Legs -Chicken Thigh added to make 
weight.” The single part must be cut at the joint. Wing tips are not permitted as added 
parts. 
POULTRY PRODUCTS: 
In poultry products where “meat” appears in the product name, e.g., “White Meat 
Chicken Roll,” and “Dark Meat Turkey Loaf,” skin and attached fat are permitted in 
greater than natural proportions. However, the ingredients statement must have the 
poultry skin or poultry fat listed. When skin and attached fat appear in the ingredients 
statement, their placement should be in the correct order of predominance and determined 
by the amount present over the permitted natural proportions. 
POULTRY PRODUCTS CONTAINING MEAT INGREDIENTS -LABELING: 
Poultry products containing meat in amounts that exceed 20 percent of the total meat and 
poultry product portion of the poultry product must be descriptively labeled to indicate 
the presence of the meat ingredients, e.g., “Chicken and Beef Stew or Stew made with 
Chicken and Beef”. 
Poultry products containing meat ingredients in amounts at 20 percent or less of the total 
meat and poultry product portion of the poultry product must have names that are 
qualified to indicate the presence of the livestock ingredients, e.g., “Chicken Stew -Beef 
Added”. 
However, poultry products that do not meet specified minimum poultry ingredient 
requirements because meat ingredients are replacing any part of the required poultry             
     
 
      
 
         
  
 
             
              
             
               
          
              
              
             
                
          
                 
          
          
 
           
             
              
             
  
 
   
 
  
 
              
              
    
 
   
 
  
  
 
 
   
 
              
    
 
              
             
   
 ingredients must be descriptively labeled to indicate the presence of meat ingredients, 
e.g., “Turkey and Pork Chop Suey”. 
See: Policy Memo 029 dated September 4, 1981 
POULTRY PRODUCTS WITH OTHER THAN NATURAL PROPORTIONS OF WHITE 
AND DARK POULTRY: 
Poultry products containing white and dark chicken or turkey of a distinguishable nature 
and in quantities other than natural proportions of white to dark meat must bear a 
qualifying statement identifying the types of poultry meat used in conjunction with the 
kind of poultry in the product name. The poultry block of white and /dark meat 
(excluding products labeled as “Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry)”) solely 
determines the usage of the terms “white and dark,” “dark and light,” “white,” “dark,” 
etc. in the product name. Ground poultry (excluding the skin) that bears the terms 
“white/light,” “dark,” “breast,” “thigh,” etc. in the product names is also considered as 
part of the poultry block for determining the usage of terms “white and dark,” “dark and 
light,” “white,” “dark,” etc. However, products labeled as “Mechanically Separated 
(Kind)” do not have any bearing on the use of terms “white,” “light” or “dark” in the 
product name since, “Mechanically Separated (Kind)” is as indistinguishable paste -like 
product that is considered a separated standardized poultry food product ingredient. 
Additionally, products with mixture of distinguishable poultry (white or dark) and 
“Mechanically Separated (Kind)” can not bear claims of “all white,” “pure breast,” “100 
percent dark,” or similar terms. In this situation, the poultry portion of the product 
contains at least two separated poultry ingredients, or one of which is “Mechanically 
Separated (Kind).” 
See 9 CFR 381.117(c), Table 1 
POULTRY PUFFS: 
Product must contain at least 15 percent cooked poultry meat. Chicken or Turkey Puffs 
are classified as hors d'oeuvres and must show a true product name, e.g., “Breaded 
Chicken and Rice Balls.” 
POULTRY, RAW WITH ADDED SOLUTION: 
Unless addressed by other regulations and policies, water and/or oil based solutions may be 
added to raw poultry and poultry parts at various levels. The product name must contain a descriptive designative in accordance with 9 CFR 381.117(h). 
POULTRY SALAMI PRODUCTS: 
Poultry sausages prepared to resemble salami and offered to consumers as a salami shall 
bear product names as follows: 
1. “(Kind) Salami” shall be the product name when the moisture -to-protein ratio in the 
finished product does not exceed 1.9:1. This product resembles a dry salami made 
from red meats.                
           
   
 
      
 
  
 
             
             
              
             
               
     2. “Cooked (Kind) Salami” shall be the product name when the product is cooked and 
the moisture- to-protein ratio is above 1.9:1. This product resembles “cooked salami” 
made from red meats. 
See: Policy Memo 006 dated July 30, 1980 
POULTRY SAUSAGE: 
Sausage products made from poultry must be labeled to indicate kind, e.g., “(Chicken) 
Sausage,” “(Turkey) Bologna,” etc. Products containing more than one kind of poultry or 
red meat must declare the added ingredient in the product name, e.g., “Chicken Bologna, 
Beef Added” and “Turkey Franks, Chicken Hearts Added” per Policy Memo 029 dated 
September 4, 1981. The basic sausage standards, per meat 9 CFR 319.140, also apply to 
poultry, except for added water and fat.   
 
               
          
 
  
 
     
 
         
 
       
 
       
 
        
 
        
 
 
         
  
 
            
 
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
 
       
         
          
      
 
 
        
  POULTRY SKIN: 
When determining the amount of poultry skin allowed, refer to 9 CFR 381.168. If the 
specific part is not identified in this part, use the figure for boneless kind. 
POULTRY STANDARDS: 
Name Minimum or Maximum percentage 
Poultry a la King At least 20 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Barbecue At least 40 percent poultry meat 
Poultry, Breaded No more than 30 percent breading 
Poultry, Brunswick Stew At least 12 percent poultry meat 
Brunswick Stew with At least 8 percent poultry meat 
Poultry 
Poultry Burgers 100 percent meat with skin and fat in 
natural proportions 
Poultry Cacciatore At least 20 percent poultry meat or 40 percent with 
bone. 
Poultry Canneloni At least 7 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Chili At least 28 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Chili with At least 17 percent poultry meat 
Beans 
Poultry Chop Suey At least 4 percent poultry meat 
Chop Suey with Poultry At least 2 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Creole with Rice At least 35 percent cooked poultry meat and 
sauce portion. Not more than 50 percent cooked 
rice in total product. 
Poultry Chow Mein At least 4 percent poultry meat 
(w/o noodles)        
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
       
      
 
       
  
 
       
 
         
 
       
      
 
       
 
       
  
 
        
       
 
 
        
  
 
           
         
      
 
       
   
 
       
 
       Poultry Croquettes At least 25 percent poultry meat 
Poultry, Creamed At least 20 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Dinners At least 18 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Fricassee At least 20 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Fricassee At least 40 percent poultry wings 
with Wings (cooked basis with bone) 
Poultry Gizzards and At least 35 percent cooked 
Gravy gizzards 
Poultry Hash At least 30 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Liver Omelet At least 12 percent cooked poultry liver 
Poultry Meatloaf At least 65 percent raw poultry 
or 50 percent poultry meat and a 
Poultry Noodle Dinner At least 15 percent poultry meat. 
Poultry Noodle Dinner At least 6 percent poultry meat. 
with Gravy 
Poultry with Noodles At least 15 percent poultry meat 
or Dumplings or 30 percent poultry meat with 
bone. 
Noodles or Dumplings At least 6 percent poultry meat. 
with Poultry 
Poultry Paella At least 35 percent poultry meat or 35 percent 
poultry meat and other meat, no more than 35 
percent cooked rice, must contain seafood. 
Poultry Parmigiana At least 40 percent breaded poultry 
See: Veal Parmigiana 
Poultry Pies At least 14 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Ravioli At least 2 percent poultry meat        
 
      
   
 
       
 
      
     
 
      
 
       
 
       
     
 
 
      
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
        
 
 
        
         
 
 
        
 
       
  
 
       
 
    
 
            Poultry Salad Mix At least 45 percent poultry 
Poultry Salad At least 25 percent poultry 
See: Salad, Poultry 
Poultry Soup At least 2 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Flavored Soup No minimum requirement 
(less than 2 percent poultry meat) 
Poultry Spread At least 30 percent poultry 
Poultry Stew At least 12 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Stew with At least 8.4 percent poultry meat 
Dumplings (Based on 70 percent of Stew 
requirement). 
Poultry Subgum At least 12 percent poultry 
Poultry Tamales At least 6 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Tetrazzini At least 15 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Turnover At least 14 percent poultry meat 
Poultry with Gravy/ At least 35 percent poultry meat 
Sauce 
Gravy with Poultry At least 15 percent poultry meat 
Poultry with Gravy and At least 25 percent poultry meat 
Dressing Poultry with Rice At least 15 percent poultry meat 
Poultry Scrapple At least 30 percent poultry and/or 
poultry byproducts. 
Poultry with At least 15 percent poultry meat. 
Vegetables 
POULTRY TENDERS AND POULTRY TENDERLOINS: 
A “(Kind) Tender” is any strip of breast meat from the kind of poultry designated.              
     
 
      
 
     
 
             
                  
   
 
    
 
                
               
              
   
 
   
 
               
     
 
      
 
             
          
              
               
             
           
           
 
             
            
             
            
              
  
 
           
                
             
            
          A “(Kind) Tenderloin” is the inner pectoral muscle which lies alongside the sternum 
(breast bone) of the kind indicated. 
See: Policy Memo 100 dated September 3, 1986 
POULTRY WING SECTIONS -(KIND): 
Wing Sections is an acceptable designation for a product consisting of equal proportions 
of the parts of a wing. It may be and is usually used for equal proportions of wing 
portions and drummettes. 
PREMIER JUS OR (OLEO STOCK): 
The product obtained by rendering at low heat the fresh fat of heart, caul, kidney, and 
mesentery collected at the time of slaughter of bovine animals. The raw material does not 
include cutting fats. Premier Jus is not an acceptable name unless accompanied by the 
term “Oleo Stock.” 
PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABELS: 
Labels applied to packages shall be of the self-destructive type and must adhere to the 
packages under all conditions of use. 
PRESSURE SENSITIVE STICKERS AND INDELIBLE INK: 
Pressure sensitive stickers are as a means for manufacturers to use existing labeling 
material by covering inaccurate and/or misleading labeling information with corrected 
text or used as a promotional tool, e.g., a starburst encircling sweepstakes terminology. A 
pressure sensitive sticker must be the type that destroys the underlying label or package if 
removed, or be self-destructive. Similarly, indelible ink is used as a means for 
manufacturers to use existing labeling material by covering inaccurate and/or misleading 
labeling information with opaque ink or adding required information with a rubber stamp. 
Temporary label approval is not required when the entire label including the pressure 
sensitive sticker or marking/covering from indelible ink is truthful, not misleading, and 
the product is not misbranded. Corrected text on pressure sensitive sticker can cover 
mandatory or non-mandatory information. Indelible ink may be used to cover inaccurate 
information or apply markings to existing labeling material in order to make the labeling 
accurate and truthful. 
Labeling bearing pressure sensitive stickers or marking/covering from indelible ink falls 
under the provisions of the generic label approval regulations in 9 CFR 317.5 and 9 CFR 
381.133, which provides the conditions for use of final labeling without first submitting 
sketch labeling for evaluation and approval at headquarters. Companies need to create 
and maintain records of all final labeling, otherwise known as generic approvals .             
             
           
           
            
       
 
        
            
           
             
          
 
 
           
             
          
          
    
 
          
         
           
          
            
          
 
          
 
      
 
             
           
           
             
             
             
            
           
  
 
            
             
           
           
           Consistent with the rules on generic labeling approval, sketch labeling approval is 
required for the entire label when pressure sensitive stickers or marking from indelible 
ink contain special claims (e.g., quality, nutrient content, health, negative, geographical 
origin, animal production (e.g., “no antibiotics administered,” breed claims, and “no 
hormones added”), and other claims (e.g., “natural”), guarantees, foreign language or a 
change of the nutrition facts serving size. 
For non-standardized amenable product labeling (e.g., descriptive name products, meat 
flavors or poultry reaction flavors, etc.) that received sketch approval and the existing 
labeling is modified by use of pressure sensitive stickers or indelible ink, a sketch 
approval is required when a change is made to the product label not covered by generic 
approval regulations 9 CFR 317.5(b) (9) and 381.133(b) (9), e.g., a product name 
change. 
Certain products are not compliant with the generic approval regulations, e.g., exotic 
animal product labeling, rabbit product labeling, certified pet food labeling, etc. In 
situations where existing labeling is modified by use of pressure sensitive stickers or 
indelible ink, the labels must be submitted to the Labeling Consumer Protection Staff in 
Washington, D.C for sketch approval. 
Transferred labels bearing a pressure sensitive sticker covering the existing legend or 
indelible ink covering the existing legend, are operating under the original 
establishment’s final label approval record, even though the establishment number is for 
that of the producing establishment. When pressure sensitive stickers are used to cover 
and correct other existing information or indelible ink is used to cover or add information, 
the rules for sketch approval and generic labeling apply to the entire lab el. 
This entry cancels Policy Memo 115 dated July 11, 1988, since 115 is out of date. 
PRIMAL PARTS AND SUBPRIMAL MEAT CUTS: 
Red meat carcasses, primals, subprimals or cuts can be labeled: 1) as the species of 
origin, e.g., beef tenderloin bearing the simple product name of “beef,” 2) as species 
without identifying the primal or subprimal when certain terms associated with various 
sizes are part of the product name, i.e., chop, cutlet, steak, fillet, filet, roast, strips, etc., 
e.g., “Beef Steak,” 3) as species and primal or subprimal cut, e.g., "Veal Shoulder Blade 
Steak," and 4) as species, coin name (butt, cala, daisy, picnic, etc.) and primal or 
subprimal cut. The species and coin name are not appropriate as a complete product 
name since it is missing the primal or subprimal cut, e.g., the phrase “pork picnic” is 
incomplete without “shoulder.” Recent editions of the “Uniform Retail Meat Identity Standards (URMIS),” published and 
distributed by the National Livestock and Meat Board, and “The Meat Buyers Guide,” 
published by the National Association of Meat Purveyors, may be used to identify 
recommended names. These guides have been prepared through extensive review and 
analysis of the most recent edition of “Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS)”            
     
 
 
           
 
          
 
    
 
                
                
              
            
           
              
        
 
      
 
  
 
                 
               
               
      
 
               
            
        
 
   
 
   
    
  
 
    
 
            
             
            
     
         
         
    
 
      
 
 
 and in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Marketing 
Service (AMS) and public and industry associations. 
PRIME RIB OF BEEF OR STANDING BEEF RIB ROAST FOR PRIME RIB: 
These products do not have to be derived from USDA prime grade beef. 
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL, ALTERNATE: 
The determination as to whether or not a panel is an alternate principal display panel shall 
be based on whether or not the panel is likely to be displayed, presented, shown, or 
examined under customary conditions of sale. If the intent of the panel cannot be 
determined and demonstrated, and if it has the appearance of a principal display panel, the 
presence of three or more mandatory labeling features shall serve to characterize the panel 
as an alternate principal panel. As such, any remaining mandatory features required to be 
placed on a principal display panel must be also included. 
See: Policy Memo 037 dated November 4, 1981 
PRODUCT NAMES: 
1. A product standard should only be applied if the product name is the same as that 
described by the standard in the regulations or in the Policy Book. For example, the 
product, “Beef, Cheese and Vegetables in a Crust,” would not be required to meet the 
standard for a “turnover” in the policy book. 
2. Products such as “Pizza Pouches” must meet the standard for pizza since they are 
named “Pizza” even though they are not traditional type pizza. Furthermore, cheese 
may not be substituted for meat in products named “Pizza.” 
PRODUCT NAME QUALIFIERS: 
Product name qualifiers have no sizing requirements other than appearing contiguous to the product name and being prominent and conspicuous.  Examples of product name qualifiers are “Smoked Flavor Added” and “Colored with Paprika.” 
PRODUCT NAME QUALIFERS IN SECONDARY PRODUCTS: 
Product name qualifiers, e.g., “binders added,” are not required on secondary products 
with labeling, with the exception of the statement “Calcium Propionate Added to Retard 
Spoilage of Crust” on pizza labeling. Secondary products are those meal like products 
that contain a multi- ingredient meat or poultry component, e.g., “Lemon Pepper Seasoned 
Chicken Breast with Rib Meat, Binders Added in ‘Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast with 
Vegetable Medley.’ ” The characteristics of the meat or poultry added ingredients, are 
disclose in the ingredients statement. 
See: Policy Memos 112 and 117    
 
             
 
                
    
          
         
 
 
              
    
 
  
 
             
    
 
   
 
             
           
 
   
 
            
            
             
            
            
             
            
           
             
 PRODUCT OF USA: 
Labeling may bear the phrase “Product of U.S.A.” under one of the following conditions: 
1. If the country to which the product is exported requires this phrase, and the 
product is processed in the U.S., or 
2. The product is processed in the U .S. (i.e., is of domestic origin). 
This entry cancels Policy Memo 080 dated April 16, 1985 
PROSCIUTTO: 
Italian for ham, dry cured. The product name “Prosciutto” is acceptable on labeling to 
identify a dry-cured ham. 
PROSCIUTTO, COOKED: 
The product name “Cooked Prosciutto” is acceptable on labeling to identify a dry-cured 
Prosciutto ham that is cooked. 
PROSCIUTTO COTTO, COOKED HAM: 
The product name “Prosciutto Cotto, Cooked Ham” is acceptable on labeling to identify a 
regular pickle- cured cooked ham. Prosciutto Cotto is the Italian name for cooked ham. 
PROTECTIVE COVERINGS (MEAT): 
Processed or Prepared Product - Immediate containers, e.g., bags, cardboard cartons, tray 
packs, and film bags enclosing processed or prepared product can be considered 
protective coverings and exempt from the marking and labeling requirements if placed in 
a shipping container which meets all mandatory labeling requirements of an immediate 
container. This does not exempt the mandatory identification and marking which is 
specifically required on the immediate container of cooked beef (9 CFR 318.17). In 
addition, the shipping container must be clearly marked “Packed for Institutional Use” or 
an equally descriptive statement of intended limited distribution. Unlabeled product may 
not be removed from shipping containers for further distribution nor displayed or offered 
for sale.              
            
             
             
            
               
        
 
       
 
   
 
            
         
         
        
 
              
             
             
            
             
               
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
               
               
      
 
       
 
               
              
              
              
       Unprocessed Meat Cuts -Transparent film bags enclosing individual meat cuts in an 
unprocessed state can be considered protective coverings and exempt from the marking 
and labeling requirements if placed in a shipping container which meets all mandatory 
labeling of an immediate container. These unlabeled meat cuts may only be removed 
from the shipping container for resale and further distribution to retailers, hotels, 
restaurants, and similar institutions if the product itself or the film bag bears a clearly 
legible official mark of inspection and the establishment number. 
See: Policy Memo 090B dated December 18, 1990 
PROTECTIVE COVERINGS (POULTRY): 
Under provision of the Poultry Products Inspection Act, protective coverings may be 
exempt from labeling requirements for immediate containers. Under certain 
circumstances, some protective coverings are considered immediate containers; under 
different circumstances, they are regarded only as protective product coverings. 
When plastic film bags, cardboard cartons, etc., are used for protecting poultry sold for 
export or to institutions, e.g., hotels, restaurants, and hospitals (where the contents are 
consumed on the premises), they are exempt from the mandatory labeling of immediate 
containers, provided the shipping container meets all the labeling requirements for an 
immediate container. Such product may not be diverted to retail channels and displayed 
for sale or be sold to household consumers unless they bear all labeling features required 
for immediate containers. 
See: 9 CFR 381.65(p) 
PUDDING: 
Nonspecific product. 
PULLED PORK: 
Refers to pork removed from bones by hand or by mechanical means. The meat must 
retain its natural striated muscle fiber structure, i.e., it can be shredded, chunked, etc., but 
may not be ground, chopped, or comminuted. 
QUALITY GRADE TERMS AND SUBJECTIVE TERMS ON LABELS: 
Terms designated as grades of meat, i.e., prime, choice, select, good, etc., may only be 
used on red meat which has been officially graded. However, the Food Labeling Division 
(FLD) will take no action to rescind currently approved labels which contain the word 
“select.” Labels for new or reformulated products or new product lines will be approved 
in accordance with the policy for grading terms described above.               
                
                 
                
                 
              
             
               
 
 
              
          
               
              
             
         
 
       
 
  
 
                 
            
               
            
              
             
               
           
                  
 
 
               
               
             
   
 
           
                 
             
                
         
 
      
 
  Letter grades A,B,C, which are designated grades for poultry, may only be used on 
poultry (whole birds and parts) that are officially graded and may not be used on red 
meat. Although poultry grade terms (U.S. grade A, etc.) are not allowed to be used on red 
meats, the terms prime, choice, and select may be used on poultry (whole birds or parts) 
that are equivalent to U.S. grade A. The use of a possessive, e.g., XYZ 's Prime, does not 
relieve a company of this requirement. The use of quality grade terms on further 
processed meat and poultry products will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to 
determine if they wrongly imply that the meat or poultry used in these products has been 
graded. 
Terms which are subjective in nature, e.g., but not limited to, fancy, finest, super, 
supreme, ultimate, premium, greatest, best, old fashioned, homestyle, hotelstyle, deluxe, 
special, famous, and old time may be used unqualified on labels for meat and/or poultry 
products. The term “selected” as well as other terms, will be considered individually by 
the Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, again to determine if these terms wrongly 
imply that the meat or poultry has been graded. 
See: Policy Memo 101A dated August 30, 1988 
QUICHE PRODUCTS: 
The term “Quiche” does not have to be qualified to indicate it is a custard cheese pie. 
However, when characterizing ingredients, e.g., bacon, ham, chicken, onion, etc. are used 
either alone or in combination, the ingredients shall be either clearly identified as part of 
the product name or prominently displayed elsewhere on the principal display panel 
(PDP) of the label (e.g., Bacon Quiche, Ham and Onion Quiche, etc.). Similarly, the 
characterizing ingredients in Quiches bearing fanciful names shall be identified as part of 
the product name or highlighted elsewhere on the PDP (e.g., Quiche Bercy -made with 
ham and wine). Since “Quiche Lorraine” is widely recognized, the characterizing 
ingredients do not have to be identified as a part of the product name or elsewhere on the 
PDP. Meat and poultry quiches must contain at least 8 percent cooked meat or poultry and 
sufficient cheese so that the combined total at least comprises 18 percent of the finished 
product. Quiche Lorraine must contain cooked bacon and/or ham and the only cheeses 
are Swiss and/or Gruyere. 
If other characterizing ingredients (excluding cheese), e.g., onions, peppers, olives, etc., 
are used in addition to the meat or poultry ingredient in Quiche Lorraine or in any other 
quiche, the combination of these other characterizing ingredients and the meat or poultry 
ingredients must comprise at least 8 percent of the total product, and the cooked meat or 
poultry portion must be at least 5 percent of the total product. 
See: Policy Memo 077 dated October 11, 1985  
 
       
 
  
 
        
 
  
 
            
    
 
    
 
              
                
 
 
    
 
                
       
 
    
 
 
 
                
           
 
  
 
       
 
 
 
               
      
 
 
 
      
 
     
   
 
  
     
 RANCH: 
The regulations and policies applicable to “Farm” also apply to ranch. 
RAVIOLI (MEAT): 
This product must contain at least 10 percent meat. 
REHYDRATED DEHYDRATED VEGETABLES: 
Rehydrated dehydrated vegetables acceptable as name. The specific vegetable must be 
identified in the ingredient statement. 
RELLENO DE PAPA (PR): 
This product must contain 8 percent cooked meat. A Puerto Rican product that must 
show a true product name, e.g., “Potato Balls with Beef,” or “Potato Dough with a Beef 
Filling.” 
RENDERED BEEF FAT TISSUE SOLIDS: 
The solid remains of a fat extraction process from beef that was ground and rendered by a 
high temperature (180o F) continuous wet rendering system. 
See: Beef Greaves 
REWORK: 
Rework – is allowed in unlimited quantities when added to like product. However, if 
breaded/battered rework is added to similar products, the rework is limited to 2 percent. 
RICE AND MEAT: 
The product must contain at least 12 percent meat. 
ROASTED: 
The term “roasted” may be used to describe products that have been subjected to cooking 
methods that result in a roasted appearance. 
ROLLS: 
Six uses exist for the term “Roll” in conjunction with names for meat food products: 
1.Items consisting of a solid piece of meat, for example, “Boned Veal Rib,” formed 
and tied as a roll and usually offered with seasonings. 2.Chopped meat in combination with condiments, also formed and processed.  It 
can be and often is offered in the fresh meat state.   
 
 
  
 
 
   
   
   
 
  
     
    
  
 
   
  
     
 
 
     
  
 
    
 
 
  
 
                
                
 
 
   
 
  
 
             
           
          
 
 
 
                   
          
 
 
  Water (or any other liquid) is not an ordinary or usual ingredient in the above “Meat 
Roll” items.  If water (liquid) is an ingredient in these products and they are raw, then the product name must contain a descriptive designation in accordance with 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2).  If water (liquid) is an ingredient in these products and they are cooked, then the product name must include a containing statement in accordance with Policy Memo 084A. 
3. “Sausage Rolls” have similar formulas and water limitations to cooked sausage. 
The finished product may contain up to 10 percent added water, is in roll shape, 
and is Cooked, or Smoked and Cured (species) Roll Sausages. 
4. Non -descriptive rolls, for example, “Pizza Roll,” “Pickle Roll,” “Relish Roll,” etc., 
contain meat with cheese, peppers, pimentos, relishes, and other similar materials. 
An ingredients statement is required as a part of the product name on the basis of instructions in 9 CFR 317.2(c)(1) and (2), and 317.2(e). 
5. Product made from meat and water that has been chunked, ground, chipped, 
wafer -sliced, etc., and formed into a roll containing a plant protein product or other 
binder could be labeled as a “Meat, Water, and Textured Vegetable Protein Roll.” 
The same size lettering is required to be used for the product name. 
6.Product made from meat that has been chunked, ground, chipped, wafer -sliced, 
hydroflaked, etc., and formed in a roll containing a plant protein product or other 
binder  is required to be labeled as “Beef and Textured Vegetable Protein Roll” or 
“Beef and Soy Protein Concentrate Roll.” 
ROLLS, POULTRY: 
Only natural proportions of skin to the whole carcass or designated part may be used. If 
skin is in greater than natural proportions, the name must be qualified with the term “Skin 
Added.” 
See: 9 CFR 381.159 
ROMANO CHEESE: 
Label must show “kind” of milk, e.g., (Caprino), “Romano Cheese made with Goat's 
Milk;” (Pecornia), “Romano Cheese made from Sheep's Milk;” or (Vaccino), “Romano 
Cheese made from Cow's Milk.” The words in parenthesis are not required to be shown. 
RUMAKI: 
This product must contain at least 50 percent chicken livers. An hors d'oeuvre or 
appetizer. Rumaki is a combination of chicken livers, water chestnuts, and bacon.     
 
               
    
 
      
 
      
 
  
 
       
 
 
 
  
 
            
             
              
               
           
 
           
           
          
            
 
 
              
      
 
            
            
             
  
 
            
 
               
  
 
           
 
            
              
           
        SALAD - FREEZE DRIED HAM: 
Antioxidants have been permitted in Freeze Dried Ham at a level of 0.01 percent, based 
on total weight of the ham. 
SALAD - GERMAN STYLE POTATO SALAD WITH BACON: 
Requires at least 14 percent cooked bacon. 
SALAD MIX, POULTRY: 
Product must contain at least 45 percent cooked poultry. 
SALADS: 
Standards for salads: 
Meat salads must include at least 35 percent cooked meat or meat food product (e.g., 
corned beef, ham). Ingredients, e.g., “Ham water added” or “Corned Beef and water 
product” may be used if the formula is adjusted to account for the amount of added 
substances. Example: if 85 percent of a meat food product is meat, then 35 percent 
required meat divided by 0.85 equals 41 percent required meat food product in the salad. 
Cobb Salad - Contains lettuce and chicken or turkey. The other ingredients that may be 
found include bacon, hard cooked eggs, tomatoes, Roquefort or other blue cheese or 
dressing. The product name must include the poultry component(s) and also identify any 
meat ingredient when present about 2 percent, e.g., “Bacon and Chicken Breast Cobb 
Salad.” 
Caesar Salad -is an acceptable product name and normally contains cheese, meat, or 
poultry pieces and may contain other vegetables. 
Ham and Cheese Salad -Must contain at least 25 percent cooked ham. 
Macaroni with ham or beef -Must contain at least 12 percent cooked meat. 
Poultry Salad -Must contain at least 25 percent cooked poultry (natural proportions of 
skin and fat). 
Chopped egg and ham salad -Must contain at least 12 percent ham. 
Chopped egg and bacon salad -Must contain at least 12 percent bacon (9 percent fully 
cooked bacon). 
Vegetable and/or fruit with poultry - Must contain at least 25 percent cooked poultry. 
Cracker meal, bread crumbs, and similar ingredients may be included in meat or poultry 
salads up to 2 percent of the total formula. If more than 2 percent is used, a product name 
qualifier is required. Modified food starch and textured vegetable protein cannot be 
substituted for cracker meal and bread crumbs in salad products.  
 
             
        
 
  
 
            
             
   
 
  
 
         
          
 
           
 
          
 
         
 
    
 
  
    
   
    
   
 
       
       
 
  
 
             
               
   
 
  
 
                  
              
        
 
  
 
               SALAMI: 
A dry sausage that requires an MPR of 1.9:1 or less. Extenders and binders are permitted. 
It may be cooked to shorten drying period. 
SALAMI, BEEF: 
A cooked, smoked sausage, usually mildly flavored, in a large casing, containing coarsely 
ground beef. Cereals and extenders are permitted. May contain fat. Product does not 
have to be labeled cooked. 
SALAMI, COOKED: 
The product “Salami” must be labeled to include the word “Cooked,” regardless of the 
type and size of its packaging, unless it is one of the following: 
1. A salami with a moisture protein ratio of no more than 1:9 to 1; 
2. “Genoa salami” with a moisture protein ratio of no more than 2.3:1; 
3. “Sicilian salami” with a moisture protein ratio of no more than 2.3:1; 
4. Labeled, as. . . , 
a. Kosher Salami, 
b. Kosher Beef Salami, 
c. Beef Salami, 
d. Beer Salami, and 
e. Salami for Beer. 
Pork skins are not a permitted ingredient in cooked salami. 
See: Policy Memo 031A dated July 23, 1986 
SALAMI, COTTO: 
A mildly flavored cooked, cured sausage, in a large casing, usually containing coarsely 
ground beef and pork. The product contains whole or visible pieces of peppercorns. It is 
cooked in dry heat. 
SALAMI, HARD: 
A dry sausage with an MPR of 1.9:1. It is made with beef and pork and seasoned with 
garlic. Less highly flavored but usually more heavily smoked than Italian Salami. It is 
tied with loops or twine that gives a scalloped appearance. 
SALAMI, ITALIAN: 
This kind of dry salami is usually prepared in the San Francisco area and is easily                
                 
              
                
           
 
  
 
              
                
 
 
  
 
             
  
 
      
 
             
          
 
        
          
           
        
 
         
 
            
         
 
              
 
 
   
 
           
           
          
 
 
 
           
        
 
 
 
             
      
  distinguished by its covering of a white mold. This salami consists of about 80 percent 
finely chopped pork, to which a small amount of pork fat may be added. Nonfat dry milk 
can comprise 3 1/2 percent of the finished product. The remainder consists of chopped 
beef, seasoning, salt, and curing agent. The product should have an MPR not in excess of 
1.9:1 to insure the fat content and dryness properties associated with a “dry salami.” 
SALCHICHON (SP): 
This term, meaning “Large Sausage,” This term may only be used for large casing 
sausage products that are 3 inches in diameter or more. Label must show a true product 
name. 
SALISBURY STEAK: 
Finished product must contain at least 65 percent meat. Fat is limited to 30 percent. 
Other requirements are: 
1. It is an unbreaded cooked product. 
2. The meat block may contain 25 percent pork, with the remainder beef. Or, the meat 
block may contain up to 12 percent partially defatted chopped beef and pork. 
3. Extenders are permitted up to 12 percent. When isolated soy protein is used, 6.8 
percent is the equivalent of 12 percent of the other extenders. Those extenders 
include, but are not limited to: cereal, bread crumbs, cracker meal, soy flour, soy 
protein concentrate, isolated soy protein, and textured vegetable protein. 
4. Meat byproducts are not permitted. Beef heart meat is permitted. 
5. Permitted liquids include, but are not limited to: water, broth, milk, cream, skim milk 
and reconstituted skim milk (9 parts water to 1 part NFDM). 
6. Product not cooked which conforms to the above may be labeled “Patties for 
Salisbury.” 
SALISBURY STEAK, TURKEY: 
Product must contain at least 55 percent turkey meat in natural proportions (light and 
dark) or 65 percent turkey with skin and fat in natural proportions (skin 10 percent, 
turkey met 55 percent). Maximum amount of binders and extenders is 12 percent. 
SALPICAO: 
A smoked sausage. The label must show a true product name, e.g., “Smoked Sausage.” 
No more than 3 percent water can be added at formulation. 
SALSICCIA (IT): 
A fresh pork sausage, highly spiced, in which paprika is permitted. It is a rope style 
sausage made of finely cut pork trimming.     
 
             
             
                
        
 
                
              
 
 
 
 
              
                
                
 
 
 
 
            
             
           
 
 
   
 
                
              
      
 
             
                
             
          
 
   
 
               
              
 
 
              
      
 
        
 
 
            
       
 SALT AS A CURE: 
Dry processed hams, pork shoulders, and bacon are ordinarily cured with mixtures that 
contain mostly salt along with sugar and nitrates plus nitrites. However, some processors 
use salt alone in preparing their products. The salt in contact with the meat provides the 
desired cured color, taste, and necessary product protection. 
Salt is an acceptable cure when used singly in the curing and salt equalization of dry 
processed hams, pork shoulders, and bacon. The cured products must have a 10 percent 
brine concentration. 
SAMOSA: 
This product originated in India, although it is also associated with Pakistan. It resembles 
a “Meat Turnover” and consists of a spiced vegetable and meat mixture in a dough crust. 
At least 25 percent meat is required. Label must show a true product name, e.g., “Beef 
Turnover.” 
SAMPLES: 
Free samples included along with the meat and poultry food products are not to be 
included in the net weight statement, and the ingredients do not need to be identified in 
the ingredients statement as long as the ingredients appear on sample package. 
SANDALWOOD: 
SANDWICH -CLOSED: 
Product must contain at least 35 percent cooked meat and no more than 50 percent bread. 
Sandwiches are not amenable to inspection. If inspection is requested for this product, it 
may be granted under reimbursable Food Inspection Service. 
Typical “closed -faced” sandwiches consisting of two slices of bread or the top and 
bottom sections of a sliced bun that enclose meat or poultry, are not amenable to the 
Federal meat and poultry inspection laws. Therefore, they are not required to be 
inspected nor bear the marks of inspection when distributed in interstate commerce. 
SANDWICH -OPEN: 
Must contain at least 50 percent cooked meat. Sandwiches are amenable only if they are 
open faced sandwiches. Product must show a true product name, e.g., “Sliced Roast Beef 
on Bread.” 
This regulatory policy in no way alters the Department's present policy with respect to 
caterers who include meat sandwiches in their dinners. 
SANDWICHES (MEAT OR POULTRY AS COMPONENTS OF “DINNER 
PRODUCTS”): 
Dinners containing a sandwich type product, e.g., a frankfurter, hamburger, or sliced 
poultry meat with a bun, are amenable and subject to inspection.   
 
               
            
            
          
 
 
 
                 
          
 
 
                
                
  
 
                 
                
      
 
                  
         
 
     
 
       
 
 
 
            
                
               
         
 
    
 
          
 
   
 
      
 
  
 
             
                
              
                 
               SANTA FE STYLE: 
Acceptable for products that contain chilies with corn or beans and one of the following 
ingredients: Cheese (jack, cheddar, Mexican Style or fresh goat), bell pepper, onion, 
garlic, tomatoes, tomatillos, cumin, oregano or cilantro. The beans should be either 
black, kidney, navy, pink, pinto, red, or white beans or an indigenous variety. 
SARNO: 
A dry smoked sausage that is air dried. The label must show a true product name, e.g., 
“Smoked Sausage.” Coarsely chopped beef, pork, and garlic are not permitted. 
SATAY: 
This term refers more to a preparation method than to the nature of a finished product. 
Satay can be made from chicken, beef, lamb, pork, and other food items, and prepared in 
two ways: 
1. Meat is cut into one inch cubes, then dipped into a spicy sauce, skewered, and roasted 
over an open fire (similar to “Kebobs” except no vegetables or fruit). Label must show a 
true product name, e.g., “Beef Cubes on Stick.” 
2. Meat is cut into one inch cubes, then dipped into a spicy sauce and canned. Label must 
show a true product name, e.g., “Beef Cubes in Spicy Sauce.” 
SAUCE WITH MEAT OR MEAT SAUCE: 
Product must contain at least 6 percent ground meat. 
SAUERBRAUTEN (GR): 
“Sauerbrauten” must contain at least 50 percent cooked beef. “Gravy with Sauerbraten” 
must contain at least 35 percent cooked meat. Sauerbrauten is cooked beef in a vinegar 
flavored sauce. The beef is marinated in vinegar sauce, then separated from the sauce and 
partially cooked, and put back in the sauce and cooked completely. 
SAUERKRAUT BALLS WITH MEAT: 
Product must contain at least 30 percent meat or meat food product. 
SAUERKRAUT WITH FRANKS AND JUICE: 
Product must contain at least 20 percent franks. 
SAUSAGE CLASSIFICATION: 
Fresh Sausage: Made of fresh, uncured meat, generally cuts of fresh pork, and 
sometimes beef. Its taste, texture, tenderness, and color are related to the ratio of fat to 
lean. Trimmings from primal cuts, e.g., pork, loin, ham, and shoulders are often used. 
When ice or water is used to facilitate chopping and mixing, it is limited to a maximum 
of 3 percent of the total formula. It must be kept under refrigeration and thoroughly               
               
              
        
 
    
             
             
                 
        
 
    
 
           
              
              
            
               
             
          
 
   
 
             
           
               
 
 
             
                 
              
             
 
 
            
             
          
 
               
               
                 
   
 
              
             
   
 
              
             cooked before serving. Bratwurst is in this class. Binders and extenders are permitted in 
fresh sausages except where regulations do not permit the use of such ingredients, i.e., 9 
CFR 9 CFR 319.140 (Pork Sausage), 9 CFR 319.142 (Beef Sausage), 9 CFR 319.144 
(Whole Hog Sausage), and 9 CFR 319.145 (Italian Sausage). 
See: 9 CFR 319 Subpart E 
Uncooked smoked sausage: Has all the characteristics of fresh sausage except it is 
smoked, producing a different flavor and color. It must be thoroughly cooked before 
serving. “Smoked Pork Sausage” is included in this class. If it is a mixture of pork and 
other meats, regardless of size, it must be treated for trichinae. 
See: 9 CFR 319 Subpart F 
Cooked sausages and/or Smoked sausages: These products are chopped or ground, 
seasoned, cooked and/or smoked. Added water is limited to 10 percent of the finished 
product. Meat byproducts may be used when permitted by standard. Cure is required for 
particular sausages, e.g., wieners or Polish sausage. These sausages come in various 
shapes and sizes, e.g., short, thin, long and chub. Cotto salami, liver sausage, and cooked 
weisswurst are included in this category. Wieners, bologna, knockwurst, etc., are also in 
this class but are further distinguished by a fat and moisture limitation. 
See: 9 CFR 319.180 
Dry and Semi -dry sausages: Dry sausages may or may not be characterized by a 
bacterial fermentation. When fermented, the intentional encouragement of a lactic acid 
bacteria growth is useful as a meat preservative as well as producing the typical tangy 
flavor. 
The meat ingredients, after being mixed with spices and curing materials, are generally 
held for several days in a curing cooler. Afterward, the meat is stuffed into casings and is 
started on a carefully controlled air-drying process. Some dry sausage is given a light 
preliminary smoke, but the key production step is a relatively long, continuous air-drying 
process. 
Principal dry sausage products are salamis and cervelats. Salamis are coarsely cut, 
cervelats finely cut with few exceptions. They may be smoked, unsmoked, or cooked. 
Italian and French dry sausage are rarely smoked; other varieties usually are smoked. 
Dry sausage requires more production time than other types of sausage and results in a 
concentrated form of meat. Medium -dry sausage is about 70 percent of its “green” weight 
when sold. Less dry and fully dried sausage range from 80 percent to 60 percent of original 
weight at completion. 
Semi -dry sausages are usually heated in the smokehouse to fully cook the product and 
partially dry it. Semi -dry sausages are semi -soft sausages with good keeping qualities due to 
their lactic acid fermentation. 
Although dry and semi -dry sausages originally were produced in the winter for use in the 
summer and were considered summer sausage, the term “summer sausage” now refers to     
 
   
 
       
 
                  
 
 
              
    
 
      
 
    
 
           
             
         
             
 
    
 
           
     
 
              
               
       
    
 
                     
     
 
        
 
      
 
       
 
    
 
  
 
            
          
           
              
             
            semi -dry sausages, especially Thuringer Cervelat. 
SAUSAGE CONTAINING CHEESE: 
Sausages may contain cheese under the following conditions: 
1. If there is a standard for that particular sausage, it must be met as though it contained 
no cheese. 
7.   The cheese must characterize the product and appear as part of the product name. 
Example “Italian Sausage with Cheese.” 
See: Policy Memo 010 dated September 8, 1980 
SAUSAGE -LIQUIDS ADDED: 
Sausages containing fluid ingredients that are expected such as fruit and juice and 
vinegar, are permitted at any level as long as the product is descriptively labeled. The 
sausage portion of the product, however, must meet any applicable standard. Vinegar is 
an expected ingredient in chorizos and the name does not have to indicate its presence. 
SAUSAGE -SHELF STABLE: 
Dry sausage must have a Moisture Protein Ratio (MPR) of 1.9:1 or less, unless an MPR is 
cited under MOISTURE PROTEIN RATIO . 
Non-refrigerated, semi-dry, shelf -stable sausage must have an MPR of 3.1:1 or less and a 
pH of 5.0 or less, unless commercially sterilized or unless an MPR is cited under 
MOISTURE PROTEIN RATIO . Alternately, non-refrigerated, semi-dry, shelf -stable 
sausages are those that: 
1. are fermented to a pH of 4.5 or lower (or pH may be as high as 4.6 if combined with 
product water activity no higher than 0.91), 
2. are in an intact form or, if sliced, are vacuum packed, 
3. have internal brine concentration no less than 5 percent, 
4. are cured with nitrite or nitrate, and 
5. are smoked with wood. 
SAUSAGE, REWORK: 
This term applies to a fully or partially processed product (excluding uncooked 
trimmings) re-routed for reasons other than unwholesomeness or adulteration (i.e., 
emulsion residue, product breakage, slicing operations, smoked meats, returns, etc.) and 
intended for inclusion in cooked sausage, loaves, and similar products. Rework may be 
used provided it does not adulterate the product, violate its standard of composition, 
change the order of predominance of ingredients, or perceptibly affect the normal          
 
           
 
              
           
 
               
     
 
              
       
 
              
            
               
           
 
      
 
           
          
            
     
 
            
             
            
            
     
 
             
              
  
 
            
             
              
             
           
             
   
 
    
 
      
 
  characteristics of the product. Rework is subject to the following restrictions: 
1. Cooked sausage, meat loaves may be used in similar products without limitation. 
2. Except in products covered by section 9 CFR 319.180, pieces of cooked and/or smoked 
meat may be used without limitation if properly identified in the ingredients statement. 
3. Pieces of uncooked, cured pork from primal parts may be used without limitation if 
properly identified in the ingredients statement. 
4. Sausage products in edible collagen casings may be used in similar finely comminuted 
products without limitation and need not be peeled. 
5. Finished cooked sausage in natural casings may be used in similar finely comminuted 
products without limitation, except sausages in bungs, middles, beef rounds, bladders, or 
stomachs, which must be stripped of the casings before use. Also, natural casings of any 
type that break during the stuffing operations should not be included in emulsions. 
SAUSAGE TYPE PRODUCTS WITH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: 
Sausage type products that contain unexpected ingredients that significantly alter the 
character of the product may be descriptively labeled as (characterizing ingredient) 
Sausage, e.g., “Cherry Pecan Sausage,” “Wild Rice Sausage,” or other equally descriptive 
names, e.g., “Sausage with Wild Rice.” 
The sausage portion of fresh sausage products must meet any applicable standards, 
including fat and added water limitations, moisture/protein ratios, and use of binders and 
extenders prior to the addition of any characterizing ingredient(s). For cooked, smoked, 
or dry sausages, the finished sausage type product must meet the sausage standard prior to 
the addition of any characterizing ingredients. 
The unexpected ingredient must be present in sufficient quantity or form to characterize 
the sausage type product in flavor, texture, or other sensory attributes. However, there are 
no minimum use levels. 
This policy applies to products containing unexpected food ingredients, e.g., fruits and 
vegetables, e.g., cherries, pecans, tomatoes, etc., that change the character of the product 
by the addition of unique flavor and other sensory characteristics. The policy does not 
apply to imitation products, i.e., products formulated to resemble in taste, texture, color, 
etc., the traditional sausage products, but which are nutritionally inferior. Sausages 
containing cheese are addressed Policy Memo 010, and Potato Sausages are addressed in 
Policy Memo 011. 
SAUSAGE WITH SAUERKRAUT IN SAUCE: 
Product must contain at least 40 percent sausage.   
 
             
             
               
             
              
              
  
 
             
               
           
    
 
             
   
 
                
  
 
      
 
    
 
       
 
    
 
       
 
     
 
      
 
 
 
               
               
       
 
  
 
                 
               
               
               
                
                
       
 SAUSAGE (Species): 
(Species) sausages identified in 9 CFR 319.141, 319.142, 319.144, and 319.160 of the 
meat inspection regulations may be cooked, cured or smoked (or any combination), but 
must comply with the standards before being processed if the product name is to include 
“(species) sausage.” For example, fresh beef sausage identified in 9 CFR 319.142 which 
is cured and cooked may be labeled “cured, cooked beef sausage.” Prior to this 
processing, these products could not contain more than the 3 percent water permitted by 
the standard. 
Cooked cured sausages or smoked cured sausages containing up to 10 percent added 
water in the finished product and prepared from one species may be labeled as “cooked 
cured sausage,” “smoked sausage,” “cooked cured sausage made with (species),” or 
“smoked sausage made with (species).” 
Semi -dry and dry sausages made from a single species may be labeled “(species) 
sausage,” e.g., “beef sausage.” 
This policy does not apply to cooked sausages identified in section 9 CFR 319.180 of the 
meat regulations. 
See: Policy Memo 051 dated September 13, 1982 
SCALLOPED POTATOES AND HAM: 
Product must contain at least 20 percent cooked ham. 
SCALLOPED POTATOES AND SAUSAGE: 
Product must contain at least 20 percent cooked sausage. 
SCALLOPED POTATOES FLAVORED WITH SAUSAGE: 
Product must contain at least 3 percent sausage. 
SCALLOPPINI: 
Product must contain at least 35 percent cooked meat or poultry meat. Thin slices of 
cooked veal, sometimes beef or poultry, seared or fried. Label must show a true product 
name, e.g., “Veal Scalloppini” or “Chicken Scalloppini.” 
SCHICKENWURST (GR): 
The product is made of two parts, one of which is an emulsion prepared from pork and 
beef cuts. The second component consists of chunks of ham measuring from 2 to 3 
inches in size. The two parts are mixed, stuffed into large casings, and smoked while 
being cooked. The final product appears as a luncheon sausage with large pieces of red 
ham meat held together by a light pink binder. The ham sections comprise at least 50 
percent of the product and the item has a distinct smoked flavor. This product is very 
similar in appearance to the product sold as “Ham Bologna.”     
 
       
 
 
 
           
    
 
        
 
            
      
 
    
  
 
      
 
               
              
              
             
     
 
  
 
             
          
        
 
    
 
 
 
             
                 
  
 
  
 
                
             
 
 
    
  
 
  SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH BACON: 
Product must contain at least 10 percent cooked bacon. 
SEAWEED: 
The term is not an acceptable ingredient declaration. There are many types of seaweed, 
some are not as safe. 
“SERVING SUGGESTION,” “SERVE AS SUGGESTED,” AND SIMILAR PHRASES: 
Vignettes should reasonably illustrate ingredients that could be in the packaged products 
as sold, and not be misleading to the consumer. 
See: 9 CFR 317.8 
9 CFR 381.129 
SHEPHERDS PIE (With or Without Vegetables): 
Product must contain at least 25 percent meat in total formulation. Shepherds Pie is a 
meat food product consisting of chopped, minced, or cubed beef or lamb, seasoned with 
gravy or sauce, with or without vegetables, and baked with a covering layer or 
surrounding border of seasoned mashed potatoes. The label must show a true product 
name, e.g., “Beef Shepherds Pie.” 
SHIPPING CONTAINERS: 
A mark of inspection and a handling statement is required on all shipping containers. 
Safe Handling Instructions are required with all other required features only when they 
shipping container is also the immediate or primary containe r. 
See: 9 CFR 316.13 
SHU -MAI: 
Product must contain at least 10 percent meat. A Chinese product that resembles a 
dumpling. It is similar to a meat ravioli. The label must show a true product name, e.g., 
“Pork Dumpling”. 
SIGNATURE LINE: 
It is not necessary to include the term “General Office” in signature lines on labels used 
by companies with multiple plant operations. A zip code shall appear following the 
address. 
See: 9 CFR 317.2(g)(1) 
9 CFR 381.122   
 
                
               
         
 
 
 
           
            
            
            
    
 
  
 
               
                 
             
          
 
              
               
      
 
                 
              
     
 
       
    
                
 
 
      
 
  
 
            
      
 
              
             
             
 
 
              
               
           
 SLOPPY JOE: 
A coined name that must be qualified by a true product name, e.g., “Barbecue Sauce with 
Beef.” The meat content depends on the name of the product. Heart meat and tongue 
meat can be used but not to satisfy the minimum meat requirement. 
SMOKE: 
For imported Canadian products, e.g., bacon, which are physically smoked during 
processing, the word “Smoke” is acceptable in the ingredients statement. Although not 
required or customary, smoke can also appear in the ingredients statement of domestically 
produced products which are physically smoked. If included in the ingredients statement, 
smoke should appear as the last item. 
SMOKE FLAVORING: 
The use of smoke flavoring (natural or artificial) in a component of a meat or poultry food 
product, e.g., ham in a ham salad, does not require that the product name be qualified to 
indicate the presence of the smoke flavoring. However, the smoke flavoring must be 
declared in the ingredients statement on the meat or poultry product labels. 
Secondary product – when meat and extender product is produced using a meat product 
in which smoke flavoring is added, the secondary product name does not have to be 
qualified with a phrase as “smoke flavoring added.” 
When smoke flavor (natural or artificial) has been directly added to a product as part of a 
seasoning mix, the presence of the smoke flavor must be identified in a qualifying 
statement to the product name, e.g. 
1. “Chicken soup smoked flavor added,” and in the ingredients statement. 
2. “Beef soup smoke flavor.” 
3. If a product is simply sprayed with liquid smoke, it must be labeled “smoke flavoring 
added.” 
See: Policy Memo 117 dated August 30, 1988 
SMOKED PRODUCTS: 
The guidelines for approving labels for products prepared with natural smoke and/or 
smoke flavor (natural or artificial) are as follows: 
1. Meat or poultry products which have been exposed to smoke generated from burning 
hardwoods, hardwood sawdust, corn cobs, mesquite, etc., may be labeled as “Smoked” or 
with terms, e.g., “Naturally Smoked” to indicate that the traditional smoking process is 
used. 
2. Meat or poultry products which have been exposed to natural liquid smoke flavor 
which has been transformed into a true gaseous state by the application of heat or 
transformed into vapor by mechanical means, e.g., atomization, may be labeled 
“Smoked.”  
               
              
              
                
     
 
            
           
              
             
    
 
                 
               
               
              
              
  
 
               
             
 
 
      
      
 
   
 
      
 
   
 
               
       
 
  
 
                   
                
   
 
               
               
        
 
 
 
              
                3. Meat or poultry products may be labeled “Smoked” if natural liquid smoke flavor is 
applied by spraying, dipping, liquid flooding, or similar processes prior to or during heat 
processing. In such cases, the natural liquid smoke flavoring must be transformed into a 
true gaseous state by the heat of processing. If a product is simply sprayed with liquid 
smoke it must be labeled “smoke flavoring added.” 
4. Meat or poultry products to which smoke flavor (natural or artificial) has been directly 
applied to the exposed product surface, e.g., massaging or margination, or 
incorporated into the product by such means as injection, must be labeled to identify 
the smoke flavor as part of the product name, e.g., “Ham -Natural Smoke Flavor 
Added,” and in the ingredients statement. 
5. Meat or poultry products that are smoked, as provided for in (1), (2) and (3) above 
and also treated with smoke flavor as described in (4), may only be labeled “Smoked” 
or with terms, e.g., “Naturally Smoked,” if it is clearly disclosed that the product is 
also treated with smoke flavor. The presence of the smoke flavor must be identified 
as part of the product name, e.g., “Smoked Ham -Smoke Flavoring Added” and in the 
ingredients statement. 
6. Product may be labeled as “hickory smoked” only if the plant provides the inspector 
with appropriate certification that such sawdust or wood for smoking is 100 percent 
hickory. 
See: Policy Memo 040 dated January 18, 1982 
Policy Memo 058A dated August 5, 1983 
SMOKED THURINGER LINKS: 
A cooked smoked sausage made with pork only. 
SNACKS (HORS D'OEUVRES): 
Product must contain at least 15 percent cooked meat or 10 percent cooked bacon. The 
label must show a true product name, e.g., “Liver Pate on Toast.” 
SODIUM ALGINATE: 
This is added as a binder in “Taquitos.” Approval may be given for use at a level of less 
than 1 percent with .25 percent of calcium citrate to stabilize a pizza sauce or pizzas 
heated in household toasters. 
Sodium alginate when used as glue to seal burrito and burrito like products is acceptable, 
if declared in the ingredients statement, or if a statement such as “sealed with sodium 
alginate” appears at the end of the ingredients statement. 
SODIUM BENZOATE: 
Sodium Benzoate is not an acceptable ingredient for meat and poultry products, except in 
oleomargarine. It is accepted as an incidental additive when it is a part of a product          
 
   
 
      
 
  
 
                  
              
             
 
 
 
          
            
 
 
   
 
          
 
  
 
                 
               
            
 
 
 
                
            
    
    
          
 
         
 
      
      
 
          
 
      
      
 
            
       prepared under FDA rules, e.g., sauces, gravies, and similar substances. 
SOFRITO WITH PORK: 
This is a sauce containing 6 percent smoked pork. 
SOPPRESATE (IT): 
This is an acceptable name for a dry salami with an MPR of 1.9:1. This is an Italian 
salami that is lightly flavored with garlic and, generally, hotly seasoned with paprika and 
black or red peppers. It is smoked to varying degrees depending on regional tastes. 
SORBITOL: 
This is only permitted in 9 CFR 319.180 products, cured pork products, dried 
beef, kielbasa and products similar to kielbasa. Do not approve when used in other 
products. 
SOUFFLE (SPECIES) OR (KIND): 
Product must contain at least 18 percent cooked meat or poultry meat. 
SOUJOUK (TK): 
This is a Turkish sausage made from beef which is very dry and highly spiced with an 
MPR of 2.04:1. The product is usually flattened or resembles a dry salami or ring 
bologna. The label must show a true product name, e.g., “Dried Beef Sausage.” 
SOUP: 
1. Soups that declare meat stock in the product name are meat food products and shall 
contain at least 25 percent meat stock with an MPR of not less than: 
a. Condensed soup - 67:1 
b. Ready -to-eat - 135:1 
c. Beef Bouillon - 67:1 and at least 50 percent beef stock 
2. Soups made with meat shall contain not less than: 
a. Condensed soup - 4 percent cooked meat 
b. Ready -to-eat - 2 percent cooked meat 
3. Soups containing smoked meats shall contain not less than: 
a. Condensed soup - 4.0 percent smoked meat 
b. Ready -to-eat - 2.0 percent smoked meat 
4. Soups made with cooked sausages shall contain at least 4 percent cooked sausage. 
See: Policy Memo 122 dated August 11, 1992   
 
                
       
 
            
 
    
 
              
 
 
       
 
              
               
      
 
             
      
 
               
  
 
     
 
             
 
 
          
 
         
 
             
 
        
 
 
 
                
      
 
 
 
            
 
 
 
           
  SOUP PRODUCTS: 
Bean & Ham Shank: When soup is made from ham shanks, they must be shown in the 
true product name, e.g., “Bean and Ham Shank Soup.” 
Blood : Product must contain at least 1 percent blood and be made under inspection. 
Chowders : Follow standard for soups. 
Consomme : A broth cooked with vegetables and then strained. Must have an MPR of 
135:1. 
Consomme Instant : Dehydrated - not amenable. 
Cream : Condensed cream soups may be made from various creams, whole milk, or dry 
milk powder. The amount of cream, whole milk, or dry milk powder should provide a 
minimum of .45 percent butterfat to the final product. Examples: 
A cream containing 18 percent butterfat should make up the product formulation; this 
provides .45 percent butterfat to the product formulation. 
1. Dry milk powder containing 27 percent butterfat should make up 1.67 percent of the 
product formulation. 
Dried Meat Soup Mixes : Not amenable. 
Italian Style Minestrone: Soup must contain zucchini. Identify meat in the true product 
name. Pepper Pot: Soup must contain at least 20 percent scalded tripe. 
Petite Marmite (FR) : A soup made with meat, chicken, and vegetables. 
Scotch Broth : Soup must contain at least 3 percent mutton in a thick mutton broth. 
Vegetable: Vegetable soups made with soup stock are not considered amenable. 
SOUSE: 
This is a nonspecific product that can be made with all pork byproducts. The ingredients 
statement directly follows the product name. 
SOUTHERN FRIED: 
Southern fried poultry cuts or patties are breaded and fried. This is not geographical. 
SOUTHWESTERN STYLE: 
An acceptable identification for products containing any five (5) of the following types of 
food ingredients:            
            
          
 
 
  
 
             
               
          
 
         
 
               
               
            
           
             
        
 
 
 
          
        
         
                   
           
          
     
 
             
        
 
      
 
      
 
    
 
       
 
 
 
             Beans (kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, red or pink beans), corn, chili peppers, 
bell peppers, cheddar cheese, cilantro, onions or onion powder, cumin, oregano, garlic or 
garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, either mesquite smoked, or mesquite smoke flavor 
added. 
SOY PROTEIN PRODUCTS: 
Whenever soy flour, defatted soy grits, soy protein concentrate, isolated soy protein, and 
similar products are used as ingredients of meat and poultry products, they must be called 
by their common or usual name (e.g., soy flour, soy protein isolate, etc.). 
Two percent isolated soy protein is equivalent to 3.5 percent binders. 
If these products are textured, then “textured” should also be included in the name. We 
allow the use of the term “textured vegetable protein” when the textured soy products are 
mixed with spices, colorings, enrichments, etc., and the ingredients of the textured 
vegetable protein are listed parenthetically. “Vegetable Protein Product” is an acceptable 
declaration for a soy product fortified in accordance with Food and Nutrition Service 
regulations. The ingredients of the VPP must be listed parenthetically. 
SPAGHETTI: 
Sauce with meatballs Must contain at least 35 percent cooked meatballs 
Sauce with meat Must contain at least 6 percent meat 
with meatballs Must contain at least 12 percent meat 
with meatballs & sauce Must contain at least 12 percent meat 
with meat and sauce Must contain at least 12 percent meat 
with franks and sauce Must contain at least 12 percent franks 
SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH MEAT STOCK: 
This spaghetti sauce consists mainly of tomatoes with seasoning. Product must contain 5 
percent fresh beef and 12.5 percent concentrated meat stock. 
SPAGHETTIOS IN CHEESE SAUCE WITH GROUND BEEF: 
Product must contain at least 12 percent meat. 
SPANISH RICE WITH BEEF: 
Product must contain at least 20 percent cooked beef. 
SPECKWURST: 
Product should conform to sausage standard (9 CFR 319.140) without the use of       
 
 
 
           
               
            
 
   
 
   
 
              
                 
               
          
 
   
 
                
        
 
            
 
      
 
               
  
 
                 
    
 
                 
    
 
  
 
              
   
 
 
 
       
 
              
              
                
         
 
                 
        byproducts. Chunks of fat are usually present. 
STARCH: 
Starch, wheat starch, and cornstarch are synonymous in meaning. When “Vegetable 
Starch” is used as a designation, it refers to the starchy materials derived from any 
vegetable source, e.g., potatoes, peas, etc. Tapioca starch cannot be declared as “starch.” 
See: Tapioca Starch 
STEAK, CHINESE PEPPER: 
Product must contain at least 30 percent cooked steak. A Chinese dish usually served 
with rice. Beef steak is cut in thin strips, browned, and added to a sauce. Vegetables are 
also added to the sauce; green pepper strips are always used, and other vegetables may 
include celery, onions, scallions, red pepper, bean sprouts, tomatoes, or water chestnuts. 
STEAK, COUNTRY STYLE: 
This term is popular in the Southern region of the country. It resembles a “Gravy and 
Swiss Steak” product. Characteristics of this product are: 
1. It is prepared from the steaking portions of beef (usually from the round) and braised. 
2. The meat is mechanically “tenderized” and floured prior to browning. 
3. The meat is browned by sautéing or oven browning, but not flame browned nor 
cooked in water. 
4. When a true product name is shown as “Gravy and Beef Steak,” at least 35 percent 
cooked steak must be used. 
5. When a true product name is shown as “Beef Steak with Gravy,” at least 50 percent 
cooked steak must be used. 
STEAK, PEPPER: 
Product must meet the standard for “Fabricated Steak” in 9 CFR 319.15(d) and contain 
green and/or red peppers. 
STICKS: 
There are three types of meat or poultry sticks. 
1. Meat Sticks, which are an extended “pattie -like” product and are usually breaded. No 
more than 10 percent extenders and 30 percent breading are permitted. When whole egg, 
tomato, and nonfat dry milk are used, they must appear as added ingredients in the true 
product name, e.g., “BREADED MEAT STICK -NONFAT DRY MILK ADDED. 
2. The infant finger food type of sticks is usually packed in jars. It conforms to the 
sausage standard and must show a true product name, e.g., “Meat Stick”.                
             
     
 
  
 
             
    
 
  
 
                 
                
   
 
    
 
                 
          
 
    
 
             
   
 
  
 
            
                
     
 
      
 
           
 
      
 
           
 
 
 
              
               
  
 
  
 
           
          
                 3. Nonspecific dry or semi -dry sticks that do not meet the sausage standard must be 
followed by the ingredients statement. If products meet the sausage standard, they may 
be identified as “Smoked Sausage.” 
STROGANOFF, MEATBALL: 
Product must contain at least 45 percent cooked meatballs. Sauce portion shall comply 
with the Stroganoff Sauce standard. 
STROGANOFF SAUCE: 
The sauce must contain at least 10 percent sour cream or a combination of at least 7.5 
percent sour cream and 5 percent wine, or 2 percent sour cream, 2 1/2 percent wine, and 9 
1/2 percent whole milk. 
STROGANOFF SAUCE WITH/AND BEEF: 
Product must contain at least 31 percent beef or 21 percent cooked beef based on the total 
weight of the product, with sauce portion complying with the stroganoff sauce standard. 
STROGANOFF SAUCE WITH/AND MEATBALLS: 
Product must contain at least 31 percent cooked meatballs. Sauce portion shall comply 
with the stroganoff sauce standard. 
STROMBOLI (IT): 
Product is not considered a traditional sandwich. Minimum meat requirement is 25 
percent fresh or 18 percent cooked meat. The label must show a true product name, e.g., 
“Pepperoni and Cheese Wrapped in Dough.” 
STUFFED CABBAGE WITH MEAT IN SAUCE: 
Product must contain at least 12 percent meat or at least 8 percent cooked poultry. 
STUFFED PEPPERS WITH MEAT IN SAUCE: 
Product must contain at least 12 percent meat or at least 8 percent cooked poultry. 
SUKIYAKI: 
Product must contain at least 30 percent beef. Sukiyaki consists of cut up vegetables, 
e.g., mushrooms, leeks and celery, which are cooked briefly with thin slices of beef and 
soy sauce. 
SULFITING AGENTS: 
The presence of sulfiting agents (sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, 
potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and potassium metabisulfite) must be declared 
on the label if their concentration in the finished meat or poultry food product is 10 PPM               
             
             
               
             
         
 
            
 
                
            
  
 
               
                
  
 
       
 
 
 
             
 
 
  
 
            
            
              
  
 
      
 
                
            
          
 
 
 
          
  
 
   
     or higher. However, some finished meat and poultry food products may be comprised of 
multiple separable components, e.g., potatoes or apple cobbler in frozen dinner. For these 
products, if a separable component contains 10 PPM or more sulfiting agents, the 
sulfiting agents must be declared even though the total product contains less than 10 PPM 
of sulfiting agents. When sulfiting agents are required to be declared under conditions 
described above, their declaration shall be according to the following: 
1. Sulfiting agents shall be declared by their specific name or as “sulfiting agents.” 
2. Declaration shall be in the ingredients statement in order of predominance or at the end 
of the ingredients statement with the statement “This Product Contains Sulfiting Agents” 
(or specific name(s)). 
3. When the total product contains less than 10 PPM, but a separable component contains 
10 PPM or more, the sulfiting agent must be declared as part of the component according 
to (1) and (2) above. 
See: Policy Memo 094B dated December 17, 1986 
SUMMER SAUSAGE: 
Product may be a semi -dry or cooked sausage. Meat byproducts and extenders are 
permitted. 
SWISS STEAK: 
Swiss Steak and Gravy: Contains not less than 50 percent cooked beef. 
Gravy and Swiss Steak: Contains not less than 35 percent cooked beef. 
Product labeled “Swiss Steak” must be floured or dusted before searing, or may have 
flour added to gravy. 
SWEET AND SOUR PORK, BEEF OR POULTRY: 
Product requires at least 25 percent meat or poultry meat, or 18 percent cooked meat or 
poultry meat. Product also requires sufficient traditional sweet and sour ingredients 
(fruit, fruit juices, vinegar, etc.) to impart sweet and sour characteristics. 
SZECHWAN STYLE: 
Acceptable identification for any product containing one item from three or the four 
groups below. 
1. Soy sauce. 
2. Spring onions, scallions or leeks.      
     
 
 
 
      
 
  
 
                
            
 
   
 
       
 
    
 
              
               
             
     
 
   
 
 
 
              
   
 
 
 
              
              
    
 
   
 
      
 
           
 
            
 3. Garlic, ginger, ginger root. 
4. Chili, Szechwan peppercorn, Chili oil. 
TACO: 
Product must contain at least 15 percent meat. 
TACO FILLING: 
Product must contain at least 40 percent fresh meat. The label must show true product 
name, e.g., “Taco Filling with Meat,” “Beef Taco Filling,” or “Taco Meat Filling.” 
TACO FILLING, KIND: 
Product must contain at least 40 percent raw poultry meat. 
TAGS, TISSUE STRIPS, BRANDS: 
When tags, tissue strips, brands, etc. are used to apply ingredients statements on sausages 
and other products in casings or link form, the only additional marking required is the 
official inspection legend. However, if other features are added, e.g., the product name, 
all applicable required labeling features are required. 
See: 9 CFR 316.10 
TALLOW: 
Acceptable product name for the meat food product consisting of rendered beef fat or 
mutton fat or both. 
TAMALES: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent meat. Tamales prepared with meats other than 
beef and/or pork must include them in the product name, e.g., “Chicken Tamale” or 
“Chicken and Beef Tamale”. 
See: 9 CFR 319.305 
When inedible wrappings are used, they must be indicated: 
a. In the product name, e.g., “Beef Tamale Wrapped in Corn Husk.” 
b. As a qualifier to the product name, e.g., “remove parchment paper prior to 
eating,” or           
 
 
       
        
                    
   
 
         
 
             
        
              
        
  
 
                
         
 
              
            
      
 
 
 
              
               
 
   
 
                  
                   
                
       
 
   
 
                
                c. As information in the preparation instructions, e.g., “remove the inedible covering 
prior to serving.” 
The wrapper cannot be included as part of the net weight. 
Filling - must contain at least 40 percent beef. 
Pie - must contain at least 20 percent fresh meat. Filling must be at least 40 percent of 
the total product. 
(kind) - must contain at least 6 percent poultry meat. 
(kind) With sauce or gravy - must contain at least 5 percent poultry meat. 
(species) - must contain at least 25 percent meat. 
(species) With sauce or gravy - must contain at least 20 percent fresh meat. 
If byproducts are used, their presence must be included in the product name. 
TAPIOCA PRODUCT: 
Tapioca flour – can be used as a binder in some products in which “starchy vegetable 
flour” is permitted, as long as it is declared as tapioca flour. 
Tapioca starch – can be used as a binder in some meat and poultry products n which 
“vegetable starch” is permitted as long as it is declared as “tapioca starch or food starch.” 
Tapioca starch cannot be declared as “starch.” 
TAQUITOS: 
A Mexican dish requiring at least 15 percent meat. Cooked meat product is cut into strips 
or shredded and placed in center of tortilla. The tortilla is then rolled around the filling. 
TASAJO SALTED BEEF (SP): 
MPR not to exceed 2:1. Product is stitch pumped and cured in salt brine for 72 hours or 
more after which it is dried with circulated warm air for a period of at least 20 days. If 
the item is dipped in a tallow mixture, a statement must be shown contiguous to the 
product name identifying the constituents of the dipping mixture. 
TEAWURST OR TEEWURST: 
A cooked or uncooked product processed with or without curing and cold smoked 2 to 5 
days. It is ground or coarsely chopped and is characterized by a soft spreadable texture.              
        
 
 
 
              
               
  
 
     
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
               
                
           
 
               
    
 
                
           
 
                   
             
    
 
                  
          Typical meat ingredients include: pork, beef, pork bellies, and bacon. Fresh pork bellies 
may be used in place of pork fat and bacon. 
TEMPURA: 
A Japanese dish consisting of shrimp, fish, vegetable, meat, poultry etc., each dipped in 
an egg batter and deep fried. The label must show true product name, e.g., “Chicken 
Tempura,” “Pork Tempura,” etc. 
TERIYAKI, MEAT OR POULTRY (COOKED) : 
Cubes or slices of cooked meat or poultry  which have been marinated in a sauce containing 
soy sauce, some kind of sweetener, and usually ginger, garlic, or wine. When the cooked marinated product is combined with additional sauce the product name is requi red to reflect 
the sauce; for example, “Beef Teriyaki with Sauce.”  
See: Teriyaki Products when product has not been cooked 
TERIYAKI PRODUCTS: 
Meat and poultry teriyaki products are not required to be cooked, provided a prominent 
statement is on the principal display panel informing the consumer that the product is not 
cooked.  Example:  “Cook and Serve,” “Raw,” and “Ready to Bake.” In addition, raw “teriyaki” meat or poultry products with added solutions must be labeled in accordance with 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2) or 9 CFR 381.117(h). 
See: Policy Memo 012 dated September 8, 1980 (Uncooked Meat and Poultry Teriyaki) 
TETRAZZINI, POULTRY OR BEEF: 
Product must contain at least 15 percent cooked poultry or cooked beef. Made with diced 
cooked poultry or meat in a rich cream sauce containing sherry. This is added to cooked 
spaghetti or noodles in a casserole. Usually topped with bread crumbs or grated cheese. 
TEXTURED VEGETABLE PROTEIN (Textured Vegetable Protein Product) FOR 
COOKED MEAT and/or POULTRY MEAT: 
If the cooked meat and/or poultry meat to TVP ratio exceeds 9:1, then the TVP is 
declared by its common or usual name in the ingredients statement only. 
If the cooked meat and/or poultry meat to TVP ratio is less than 9:1 but at least 7:1, the 
label must contain a qualifying phrase contiguous to the product name, e.g., “Chicken 
Salad, Textured Vegetable Protein Added.” 
If the cooked meat and/or poultry meat to TVP ratio is less than 7:1, the TVP must be 
shown in the product name, e.g., “Chicken and Textured Vegetable Protein Salad.”  
       
   
 
           
         
 
                    
               
                
 
 
                   
                
              
    
 
                    
              
         
 
  
 
         
 
           
            
       
 
 
 
                
    
 
         
 
            
 
         
 
            
 
     
 
       TEXTURED VEGETABLE PROTEIN (TVP) PRODUCTS -FRESH MEAT OR 
POULTRY MEAT RATIOS: 
The following guidelines and labeling requirements have been established regarding use 
of TVP in products other than patties and pizza toppings. 
If the ratio of fresh meat or poultry meat to TVP is greater than or equal to 13:1, the TVP 
product is not considered to be characterizing or deceptive, e.g., 40 percent fresh meat: 3 
percent textured soy flour = 13.3:1, and the TVP need only to appear in the ingredients 
statement. 
If the ratio of fresh meat or poultry meat to TVP product is less than 13:1 but greater than 
or equal to 10:1, the TVP is characterizing and must be shown as a product name 
qualifier contiguous to the product name, e.g., “Hot Dog Chili Sauce made with Beef 
Textured Vegetable Protein added.” 
If the ratio of fresh meat or poultry meat to TVP is less than 10:1, the TVP must be part 
of the product name, e.g., as “Beef and Textured Vegetable Protein Hotdog Chili Sauce” 
or “Hotdog Chili Sauce Made with Beef and Textured Soy Flour.” 
THAI STYLE: 
Acceptable identification for products containing at least five of the following: 
Basil, chilies or chili products, cilantro, coconut or coconut products, coriander, cumin, 
fish sauce, galangal, garlic, ginger, green onions, jasmine rice, lemon grass, peanuts or 
peanut products, rice noodles, shallots, or soy sauce. 
THURINGER: 
Usually classed as a “Semi -Dry” sausage with an MPR of 3.7:1. It is usually smoked and 
complies with the following factors: 
1. Pork fat as such may comprise up to 10 percent of the total ingredients. 
2. Heart meat (Beef or Pork) may comprise up to 50 percent of meat ingredients. 
3. Tongue meat (Beef or Pork) may comprise up to 10 percent of meat ingredients. 
4. Cheek meat (Beef or Pork) may comprise up to 50 percent of eat ingredients. 
5. No binders or extenders are allowed. 
6. “Cooked Thuringer” can contain up to 10 percent added water.         
       
 
 
 
                
            
        
 
  
 
             
             
  
 
 
 
                
      
 
  
 
    
  
      
  
        
    
   
 
 
 
 
        
        
    
     
 
 
 
 
              
           
    
 
    
 
       
 
 7. Acceptable product names for uncooked Thuringer include: “Beef Summer 
Sausage - Thuringer Cervelat” and “Summer Sausage - Thuringer Cervelat.” 
TIPS: 
Is the sub- primal of the beef round and is often referred to as the “Sirloin Tip.” If the 
term “Tips” is used for other than from the “Sirloin Tip,” it must be qualified as to the 
specific part of the primal such as “Beef Ribs Tips.” 
TITANIUM DIOXIDE: 
When Titanium Dioxide is used in poultry salads, a qualifying phrase should appear 
under the product name stating that the product has been “Artificially Whitened” or 
“Artificially Lightened.” 
TOCINO: 
Spanish word for salt Pork or Bacon. Except in Puerto Rico, must show and use true 
product name in English, e.g., bacon, salt pork. 
TOCINO (Filipino or Philippine Style): 
The thinly sliced piece of meat taken from either the hind leg or shoulder portion of the 
pork carcass.  The product is treated with salt, sugar, and nitrite and/or nitrates, with 
optional ingredients of ascorbic acid, spices, monosodium glutamate, and phosphates. Acceptable color agent s are annatto, beet powder, and paprika that are required to be 
shown as “artificially colored.” A true product name is required to be shown on the label, for example, “Sliced Marinated Cured Pork Shoulder Butt.” In addition, raw “tocino” 
meat products wi th added solutions must be labeled in accordance with 9 CFR 317.2(e) 
(2). 
TOCINO, POULTRY: 
Acceptable with a true descriptive product name, e.g., “Chicken Tocino, Sliced, 
Marinated, Cooked, Cured Chicken Thigh Meat.” Raw “tocino ” poultry products with 
added solutions are required to be labeled in accordance with 9 CFR 381.117(h), e.g., 
“Sliced Tocino Cured Marinated Chicken Thigh Meat with 8% solution of water, sugar, salt, and spices.” 
TOCOPHEROL: 
May be listed as “Topcopherol (Vitamin E)” on the label but not “Vitamin E 
(Tocopherol).” Tocopherol and Vitamin E are not synonyms. Also, acceptable in 
rendered or unrendered fat. 
TOMATO AND BACON SPREAD: 
Product must contain at least 25 percent cooked bacon.   
 
              
 
 
              
             
              
              
            
              
  
 
              
              
   
 
              
              
     
 
             
             
    
 
     
 
             
             
    
 
    
   
      
 
   
 
               
    
 
   
 
               
      TONGUE TRIMMINGS: 
Labeling terminology for the various kinds of tongue and cheek trimmings shall be as 
follows: 
1. “(Species) tongue trimmings” shall be used to identify all tissues except cartilage and 
bone that are obtained by converting long- cut to short- cut tongues. This conversion is 
done by making a transverse cut anterior to the epiglottis, removing the soft palate 
and epiglottis, and cutting through the hyoid bone. Approximately 1 1/2 inches of the 
bone is left with the tongue. “(Species) tongue trimmings” may also be used to 
identify salivary glands, lymph nodes, and fat from which the muscle tissue has not 
been removed. 
2. “(Species) salivary glands, lymph nodes, and fat (tongue)” must be preceded by the 
name of the species from which derived. Tongue meat should not include any tissues 
described in paragraph 2. 
3. Trimmings from the tongue itself should be identified as “tongue meat” preceded by 
the name of the species from which derived. Tongue meat should not include any 
tissues described in paragraphs 2 and 3 above. 
4. Trimmings with fat from tongue is acceptable ingredient in cooked sausage products 
covered under section 9 CFR 319.180 of the regulations. Lymph nodes and salivary 
glands are not acceptable ingredients. 
TOPPING -(Species) or (Kind): 
Topping is an acceptable product name for a nonspecific product containing the species 
or kind indicated as well as various other ingredients. The ingredients statement must 
follow the product name. 
See: Pizza Topping Mix 
TORTELLINI WITH MEAT: 
Product must contain at least 10 percent meat. 
TORTILLA WITH MEAT: 
Product must contain at least 10 percent meat. Tortilla is a thin, flat unleavened masa 
cake which is baked on both sides. 
TOSTADA WITH MEAT: 
Product must contain at least 15 percent meat. A tortilla is usually topped with refried 
beans, meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables.  
 
          
 
  
 
             
             
 
 
 
             
                
               
                
              
      
 
  
 
              
      
 
  
 
               
                
               
                    
                
      
 
    
 
        
          
            
  
 
           
         
          
          
            
          TOURISTEN WURST: 
A semi -dry type of sausage. The MPR must not exceed is 3.7:1. 
“TROPIC CURE” PORK PRODUCTS: 
Pork products when ready for shipment from the official establishment must have a 
moisture protein ratio not in excess of 3.25:1, and a salt content not less than 6 percent. 
TRUFFLES: 
Meat food product, e.g., “Liver Pate with Truffles” or “Sandwich Spread with Truffles” 
would be expected to be prepared with at the least 3 percent truffles. Labels of product 
containing less than 3 percent truffles should indicate the amount of truffle content in the 
name, e.g., “Liver Pate with 2 percent truffles.” If the name does not feature truffles and 
they are mentioned only in the list of ingredients, we have no minimum requirement, 
provided the illustration does not show truffles. 
TURKEY BRAUNSCHWEIGER: 
The product name must be shown on the label as “Turkey Liver Sausage.” No 
byproducts other than liver are permitted in the product. 
TURKEY CHOPS: 
Turkey chops are prepared by cutting the frozen breast into slabs with each cut being 
made perpendicular to the long axis of the keel bone (sternum). The larger slabs are split 
in half through the center of the sternum, resulting in two individual servings of meat 
with a piece of bone on one side and a thin layer of skin on the other. The smaller pieces 
at each end of the breast are left intact as individual servings. The word steak is 
unsuitable because a turkey steak is boneless by definition. 
TURKEY HAM PRODUCTS CONTAINING ADDED WATER: 
Product otherwise conforming to the standard for turkey ham under section 9 CFR 
381.171 of the poultry products inspection regulations but weighing more than the 
original weight of the turkey thigh meat used prior to curing shall be descriptively labeled 
as follows: 
1. The product name must include in addition to “Turkey Ham”, words that specify the 
amount of the additional substances, e.g., “and percent Water,” “With percent 
Water Added,” or “Turkey Ham and Water Product percent of Weight is Added 
Ingredients.” (The ingredients of the added solution may be incorporated into the 
product name, e.g., “Turkey Ham and Water Product percent of Weight is Added 
Water, Salt, Dextrose, Sodium Phosphate, and Sodium Nitrite.”) The blank is filled             
              
   
 
              
                 
                  
                
   
 
           
           
              
          
          
             
             
           
  
 
         
        
        
           
         
       
 
       
 
     
 
           
             
              
                    
                
              
        
 
               
 
 
                
             
               
               in with the percent determined by subtracting the original weight of the turkey thigh 
meat from the weight of the cooked finished product. “Turkey Ham and 12 percent 
Water” is an example. 
2. In retail and non -retail size packaging, the qualifying statements described in 1 above 
must be shown in lettering that is either not less than three -eighths inch in height or is 
at least one-third the size of the letters used in the product name and in the same color 
and style and on the same background as the product name. Full length of the product 
labeling is not required. 
3. The “Turkey Ham” portion of the product name must be qualified with the statement 
“Cured Turkey Thigh Meat” in the manner described in 9 CFR 381.171(e). This may 
be effected by using an asterisk as long as there is no type or other designs between 
the total product name and the qualifying statement. Other means of qualifying 
“Turkey Ham” will be evaluated based on clarity. Alternatively, the total name as 
described in 1 and 2 above may be qualified with a statement that includes “Cured 
Turkey Thigh Meat” and the amount of added water, e.g., “Cured Turkey Thigh Meat 
and 12 percent Water.” The statement should be presented in the manner described in 
9 CFR 381.171(e). 
4. The product name shall be further qualified with the statement(s) required by section 
9 CFR 381.171(f) and any other statements required in Part 381.  A product 
complying with the standard for Turkey Ham, containing added water, and 
descriptively labeled as stated above, must be produced under a Partial Quality 
Control (PQC) program approved by the Processed Products Inspection Division 
(PPID) prior to the use of the approved label. 
See: Policy Memo 057A dated September 16, 1985 
TURKEY HAM AND WATER PRODUCTS CONTAINING BINDERS: 
Turkey ham products containing added water and binders must be labeled as “Turkey 
Ham and Water Products” X percent of weight is added ingredients as described in Policy 
Memo 057a to provide freeze/thaw stability and reduce purge in packages. The binders 
that are acceptable for use in cured pork product can be used in  these turkey ham 
products. The binders must be used in accordance with 9 CFR, Sections 9 CFR 319.104 
(d) and 424.21 (c). Where several limits are listed, depending upon the cured pork 
product, the maximum amount permitted in the regulation is acceptable. 
TURKEY HAM PRODUCTS CONTAINING GROUND TURKEY THIGH MEAT 
(LABELING): 
Small amounts of ground turkey thigh meat may be added as a binder in turkey ham 
products as defined in 9 CFR 381.171 without declaration, provided the ground turkey 
thigh meat is made from trimmings that are removed from the turkey thighs during the 
boning and trimming process. The amount of ground turkey thigh meat that may be used                  
             
             
              
             
             
            
       
 
       
 
     
 
              
     
 
 
 
               
                
       
 
               
   
 
                      
  
 
 
 
               
              
      
 
  
 
              
               
                
    can represent no more than the amount that was trimmed and in no case more than 15 
percent of the weight of the turkey thigh meat ingredients when formulated. Products 
containing any ground turkey thigh meat not removed during the boning and trimming 
processes or products containing more than 15 percent ground turkey thigh meat must be 
labeled to indicate the presence of the ground turkey thigh meat, e.g., “a portion of ground 
turkey thigh meat added.” The provision in the regulations (9 CFR 381.171(f)) regarding 
the required use of terminology, e.g., “Chunked and Formed,” “Chopped and Formed,” 
and “Ground and Formed” will continue to be followed. 
See: Policy Memo 059 dated March 29, 1983 
TURKEY LOAF: CURED, CHOPPED, (CANNED): 
May contain seasonings, cures, and no more than 3 percent water at formulation. Binders 
and extenders are not permitted. 
TURNOVERS: 
Product must contain 25 percent meat or 14 percent poultry meat. Similar to pies except 
the dough is folded. Cheese may be substituted for meat or poultry meat in an amount 
not to exceed 50 percent under the conditions outlined below: 
1. Cheese must be part of the product name, e.g., “Beef and Cheese Turnover” or 
“Chicken and Cheese Turnover.” 
2. Imitation Cheese, substitute cheese, cheese food, and cheese spreads are not 
acceptable replacements for cheese. 
TZIMMES: 
The true product name is “Beef and Vegetables” (or similar wording) when at least 50 
percent beef is present in the product. “Vegetables with Beef” (or similar wording) is 
acceptable when at least 35 percent raw beef is used. 
UKRAINIAN SAUSAGE: 
A dry sausage made from lean pork and/or veal chunks, containing large amounts of 
garlic which dominates the flavor. It is cooked and smoked at high temperatures and then 
air dried. The water activity (Aw) of the finished product shall not exceed 0.92 or a 
moisture/protein ratio 2.0:1 or less.     
 
            
                
          
 
     
 
               
             
            
               
     
 
    
 
       
 
  
 
                
      
 
        
 
                   
 
 
                    
  
 
                
               
     
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
          
 
         VARIETY MEATS IN FRANKS: 
Cooked sausages with variety meats (byproducts) identified in 9 CFR 319.180(b) must 
contain not less than 15 percent red skeletal meat based on total meat block weight. The 
meat block includes meat, meat by-products, and if applicable, poultry. 
VARIETY PACKS -HORS D'OEUVRES: 
Whenever FDA regulated products are included as a part of a variety pack bearing the 
legend (e.g., seafood hors d'oeuvres included with meat and poultry hors d'oeuvres), the 
labeling information must still be reviewed to assure accuracy. FDA regulated products 
that are found mislabeled should be corrected according to the policies of the FDA before 
the label can be approved. 
VEAL AND PEPPERS IN SAUCE: 
Product must contain at least 30 percent cooked veal. 
VEAL BIRDS: 
Product is similar to a turnover made with meat and no more than 40 percent stuffing. 
Categories of products are as follows: 
1. Veal Birds -At least 60 percent veal 
2. Veal Birds Beef Added - At least 60 percent veal and beef of which 20 percent may be 
beef 
3. Veal and Beef Birds -At least 60 percent veal and beef of which up to 50 percent may 
be beef 
4. Veal Birds (made from patties) -Birds made from patties shall bear a true product 
name descriptive of patty used, e.g., “Veal Birds made with Veal Patties -Beef Added.” 
The patty portion shall contain 70 percent meat. 
VEAL CORDON BLEU (FR): 
The standard requires at least: 
1. 60 percent veal; 
2. 5 percent ham, Canadian bacon, or cooked cured pork loin; and 
3. Cheese (either Swiss, Gruyere. Mozzarella, or Pasteurized Processed Swiss)                  
              
          
 
               
         
 
   
 
          
 
  
 
       
 
  
 
     
 
                
              
     
 
              
                 
             
              
           
 
               
               
                 
               
             
     
 
               
            
                
                 
             
              
        
 
                
             If the product is breaded, it must be shown in the product name. When the product is 
made with other than solid pieces of meat, “Chopped and Formed” must be shown 
contiguous to the product name. Beef is not permitted in this product. 
Veal that has been injected with water and phosphates and used for Veal Cordon Bleu 
should be labeled “Veal Roll Cordon Bleu” or other descriptive names as appropriate. 
VEAL DRUMSTICK, BREADED: 
May not contain more than 15 percent water or more than 10 percent extenders. 
VEAL FRICASSEE: 
Must contain at least 40 percent meat. 
VEAL PARMIGIANA: 
The following categories of products exist: 
1. “Breaded Veal Parmigiana” is the product name for a solid piece of veal that is breaded 
and topped with cheese and tomato sauce. Breaded cooked veal must represent 40 
percent of the finished product. 
2. “Breaded Veal Parmigiana, Chopped and Formed Beef (or Beef Fat) Added” is the 
product name for chopped veal with up to 20 percent beef and/or beef fat added that is 
formed, breaded, and topped with cheese and tomato sauce. The chopped and formed 
beef added statement is shown one -third the size of “Veal” contiguous to the product 
name. Breaded cooked patty must represent 40 percent of the finished product. 
3. “Breaded Veal Parmigiana made with Veal Patties, Beef (or Beef Fat) Added” is the 
product name for a veal patty containing at least 70 percent fresh meat (in unbreaded 
patty) of which 20 percent may be beef or beef fat. The patty is breaded, topped with 
cheese and tomato sauce. The entire qualifying statement in the product name is to be 
shown 1/3 size of “Veal” contiguous to product name. The breaded cooked patty 
represents 40 percent of the finished product. 
4. Breaded Veal and Beef Patty Parmigiana. The patty may be prepared in proportions as 
governed by 9 CFR 317.2(f)(1)(v) of the regulations; the minimum meat patty 
requirement is 50 percent. If the product is breaded, the name must reflect this fact. The 
cheese component of the product does not have to be shown in the name of the product. 
A specific kind of cheese is not required, although Romano, Mozzarella, and Parmesan 
are the usual types used. No specific spelling of the word “Parmigiana” is required. 
Name applies to a “Cooked Product Assembled, Ready to Heat and Eat.” 
The labeling of Veal Parmigiana made from a veal patty shall include veal patty in the 
product name, e.g., “Breaded Veal Parmigiana made with Veal Patties” or “Breaded Veal                  
 
 
      
 
  
 
                 
               
                  
      
 
  
 
            
 
    
 
                
 
 
               
         
 
              
             
                 
    
 
                 
  
 
         
 
         
 
          
 
  
 
      
 
  
 
       Patty Parmigiana.” The ingredients of the veal patty do not have to be part of the product 
name. 
See: Policy Memo 092 dated December 16, 1985 
VEAL PATTIES: 
Up to 20 percent beef and/or beef fat of the meat block permitted. Beef and/or beef fat 
must show in the true product name, e.g., “Veal Patties, beef added” or “Veal Patties, 
beef fat added.” Beef and/or beef fat in excess of 20 percent of the meat block must show 
as “Veal and Beef Fat Patties.” 
VEAL SCALOPPINI: 
Veal and sauce type product that must contain at least 35 percent cooked sliced veal. 
VEGETABLE DECLARATION ON LABELS: 
1. The use of the terms onion, garlic, celery, and parsley shall mean fresh, frozen, or 
canned. 2. Processed onion or garlic must be qualified in a manner, e.g., “dried” or “dehydrated 
onion” or may be shown as “onion flakes” or “powdered.” 
3. It is usually not necessary to show vegetables as whole, diced, sliced, granulated, 
powdered, or pureed; however, whenever the name of the vegetable is necessary to 
describe a food, then the name of the vegetable should be modified to show the form of 
its degree of processing. 
4. Onion or garlic juice to which water has been added shall be noted, e.g., onion juice 
with water added. 
5. Celery seed may be listed as a spice. 
6. Celery salt shall be shown as celery salt. 
7. Oil of celery may be listed as a flavoring. 
VEGETABLE EXTRACT: 
The source must be identified i.e. “soy,” “corn” and “beet.” 
VEGETABLE GUM: 
Declare common or usual name of each vegetable gum, e.g., Guar Gum.    
 
              
    
 
     
 
   
   
      
    
    
 
 
 
       
 
               
              
      
 
 
 
              
              
              
                 
                 
              
              
     
 
  
 
             
            
 
       
 
   
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 VEGETABLE PIE WITH: 
“Species” meat must contain 12 percent meat on a raw basis. “Kind” poultry must 
contain 7 percent cooked poultry. 
VEGETABLE STEW WITH: MINIMUM MEAT CONTENT 
Meatballs 12 percent meat 
Meat 12 percent meat 
Meat Sauce or Gravy 6 percent meat 
Sauce and Meat 12 percent meat 
Poultry 6 percent cooked poultry 
meat 
VIENNA SAUSAGE -PACKED IN BEEF BROTH: 
Product must contain 80 percent sausage to be in compliance prior to inclusion in can. 
Broth component to have a MPR of not more than 135:1. A manufacturer holds 
trademark rights to the terms “Vienna” and “Vienna Beef.” 
VINEGAR: 
Product must contain at least 4 grams of acetic acid per 100 cubic centimeters 
(approximately 4 percent acetic acid). This strength is referred to as 40 grain vinegar. 
Cider vinegar, which during the course of manufacture has developed an excess of acetic 
acid over 4 percent, may be reduced to a strength not less 4 percent. Cider vinegar so 
reduced is not regarded as adulterated but must be labeled as to its nature as “diluted” or 
“water added” cider vinegar. However, when vinegar of any concentration (not less than 
4 percent acetic acid) is used in a food product, the only labeling requirement is 
“vinegar.” Statements like “diluted” or “water added” are not required. 
VINEGAR PICKLE: 
Sausage in vinegar pickle is approved with the understanding that sausage is completely 
covered with pickle and that the pickle has a pH level not higher than 4.5. 
WATER BASE SOLUTIONS IN RED MEAT IN MEAT PRODUCTS: 
Many raw red meat products with added solutions are required to be labeled in accordance 
with 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2) to  indicate the addition of a solution has taken place, for example, “Beef Containing 6% of a Solution of water, teriyaki sauce, and spices.”  As explained below, these requirements do not apply to except for cured red meat products that meet a standard of identity in 9 CFR 319.100- 105. See the Final Rule Descriptive Designation for 
Raw Meat and Poultry Products Containing Added Solutions (79 FR 79044; Dec. 31, 2014). 
In situations where a raw product’s surface is coated by rubbing, spraying, or dipping water 
mixed with seasonings, flavorings, etc., onto the surface of the meat, the qualifying 
statement describing this treatment does not have to include the percentage of solution.  If,   
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                
    
 
                 
 
 
       
 
   
 however, these components are incorporated into the raw product by excessive rubbing, 
massaging, or tumbling, a descriptive designation indicating the composition and the amount of any solution absorbed is needed in accordance with 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2).  
Since the regulations (9 CFR 319.101 and 102) allow uncooked corned beef brisket to 
contain 20 percent of a curing solution, and uncooked corned beef round and other cuts to contain 10 percent of a curing solution above the weight of the fresh, uncured (green weight) product without disclosure, 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2)  would not apply unless the product does not meet the standard of identity  in accordance with 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2).  
9 CFR 317.2(e)(2) does not apply to uncooked cured pork products t hat  are labeled and 
manufactured in accordance with the  standards of identity for cured pork products in  (9 
CFR 319.104 and 105) If the product does not meet these standards then it is required to be labeled in accordance with 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2). 
Howev er, 9 CFR 317.2(e)(2) would apply to uncooked cured pork trimmings or uncooked 
cured pork products that contain added solutions that are not labeled and manufactured in 
accordance with or are not subject to a standard of identity for cured pork products, s uch as 
hams, loins, shoulders, butts, picnic, hocks, jowls, etc.  
The addition of an enzyme solution to meat products is limited to 3 percent of the raw meat 
product (green weight) by the meat inspection regulations (9 CFR 424.21). If a product is treated with an enzyme solution and a flavoring solution, separately or in one step, both treatments are required to be identified on the label. The label must contain a descriptive designation indicating the percent flavoring solution, and a product name qualif ier, such as 
“Tenderized with Papain” in accordance with 9 CFR 317.8(b)(25). In this case, product 
qualifying statements should not intervene between the product name and the descriptive designation for the solution. Alternately, the descriptive designation and the product qualifying statement may be combined into one statement.  For example, an acceptable name for raw beef pumped with 10% solution that contains papain could be “beef contains up to 7% tenderizing and seasoning solution of water, teriyaki sauce, spices, and papain.” 
For uncooked products, the percent added solution for the label statement is determined by 
subtracting the fresh (green) weight of the article from the weight of the finished (total) product that is, after injecting, marinating , etc., dividing by the weight of the fresh article, 
and multiplying by 100. 
Cooked red meat products containing added solutions are addressed in Policy Memo 084A 
WATER -DECLARATION: 
The use of water must be declared in the ingredients statement of all products with the 
exception of the following: 
1. The water added to lactic acid starter culture (.05 percent or less) for the purpose of 
rehydration. 
2. The water added to products which are freeze -dried or sprayed -dried. 
WATER IN CANNED SAUSAGE:                  
               
              
                 
              
   
 
 
       
 
              
                
             
              
               
 Water, not to exceed 8 percent of the total product weight, may be used in the preparation 
of precooked pork sausage links intended for canning. The amount of water used is for 
the purpose of replacing that which is lost during the processing operation that takes place 
prior to canning. The weight of the sausage at the time of canning shall not exceed the 
weight of the fresh uncured meat ingredients plus the weight of the curing ingredients and 
the seasoning ingredients. 
WATER -MISTED AND ICE -GLAZED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS: 
When meat or poultry products are water -misted or ice-glazed, the net weight of the 
product may not include the weight of the water or ice. An acknowledgment to this effect 
must be indicated on the label application form. A prominent and conspicuous statement 
must appear on the principal display panel adjacent to the product name, describing that 
the product is protected with a water -mist or ice glaze (e.g., “Product Protected with Ice 
Glaze”).                 
              
                 
   
 
             
              
              
             
             
                 
                
                
          
 
       
 
 
 
                 
                
                
               
  
 
      
 
          
 
 
 
               
               
                 
      
 
              
      
 
           
     If the manufacturer can show that a water or ice glaze is sublimed from the unpackaged 
product during freezing so as not to compromise the integrity of the product's formulation 
or the standard with which it must comply, the labeling of the product need not bear the 
statements identified above. 
Because the regulatory standard 9 CFR 319.15 precludes the addition of water --
hamburger, ground beef and chopped beef patties cannot be ice-glazed and, if there is 
evidence of an ice-glaze on such patties subsequent to freezing, they must be labeled 
appropriately to be sold in commerce, e.g., as “beef patties.” However, water -misting of 
formed hamburger, ground beef, or chopped beef patties just prior to freezing individual 
patties is permitted if (1) the water applied in misting acts as a processing aid to prevent 
shrinkage of the patties, and (2) the misted water sublimes from the surface of the patties 
during the freezing process such that the weight of the patty exiting the freezer does not 
exceed the green weight of the patty just prior to water -misting and freezing. 
See: Policy Memo 108B dated June 24, 1993 
WEISSWURST: 
A name for uncured sausage usually made of pork or veal. It is of German origin and 
means white sausage. The color of the sausage after cooking is white because of the lack 
of cure and the type of meat used. Weisswurst is similar to Bratwurst. When milk or 
milk and eggs are added to a Weisswurst batch, it should be labeled as “Kalbsbratwurst” 
or “Bockwurst” respectively. 
WELSH RAREBIT SAUCE WITH COOKED HAM: 
Product must contain at least 20 percent cooked ham in the total formulation. 
WHEAT GLUTEN: 
Acceptable for use to bind fresh meat cuts, e.g., boneless loins, boneless legs, and livers 
together, so that they may be cooked and sliced without falling apart. The amount used 
should not exceed 2 percent of the weight of the total product. The product name shall be 
qualified by the phrase “Wheat Gluten Added.” 
Wheat gluten is not acceptable for use with chunked and/or chopped specific products as 
roasts, rolls, and reformed meat cuts. 
Acceptable in nonspecific products and home -style meat loaves within the prescribed 
limits of other extenders and binders.   
 
               
            
        
 
   
 
  
 
                 
 
 
  
 
               
  
 
               
             
              
               
               
             
             
         
 
                
            
           
             
             
             
           
           
             
             
              
            
  
 
             
                
            
              WHOLE HOG SAUSAGE: 
Must contain all primal parts of a hog. Hearts and tongues, in natural proportions, are 
permitted ingredients in whole hog sausage when declared in the ingredients statement. 
Other meat byproducts are not permitted in whole hog sausage. 
See: 9 CFR 319.144 
WIENER SCHNITZEL (GR): 
A veal cutlet prepared by dipping in egg, flour, and bread crumbs and frying to a golden 
brown. 
WILD BOAR: 
Products prepared from wild boar from feral swine are amenable and subject to the meat 
inspection regulations. 
“Wild Boar” is an acceptable label term for a product, provided the words “Wild Boar” 
are directly followed by the statement “Meat from Feral Swine.” The statement “Meat 
from Feral Swine” must appear prominently on the principle display panel as described in 
9 CFR 317.2(d)(1)(2) and (3). If the statement “Meat from Feral Swine” does not directly 
follow the term “Wild Boar,” then an asterisk may be included with the term “Wild Boar” 
and the statement “Meat from Feral Swine” should appear prominently elsewhere on the 
principal display panel. “Wild Boar from Feral Swine,” “Wild Boar Meat from Feral 
Swine,” “Wild Boar (byproduct) from Feral Swine,” are also acceptable product names. 
In order to obtain approval for a product label bearing the name “Wild Boar from Feral 
Swine,” or similar acceptable names, a statement describing and verifying the following 
physical and environmental characteristics typical of wild boar is required: color 
patterns, e.g., white stripes or spots, longer bristly haircoat, elongated snout with visible 
tusks, a “razorback” body shape, and wild boar males which are uncastrated. (We 
acknowledge both males and females under the term “Wild Boar.”) The purchased hogs 
should be obtained from a nonrestrictive environment which permits foraging for 
uncultivated feed, natural selection, and breeding and farrowing without confinement. A 
letter should be submitted with “Wild Boar from Feral Swine” labels describing the 
environment where such swine live and their method of capture or entrapment. These 
same criteria would also apply to imported “Wild Boar Meat from Feral Swine” and 
arrangements should be made through Foreign Programs for slaughter and export from 
approved establishments. 
In multi- ingredient products, e.g., “Beans in Sauce with Wild Boar,” the “Wild Boar” part 
of the product name must be followed by an asterisk and a statement “(Meat or meat 
byproduct) from Feral Swine” must appear somewhere on the principal display panel. 
The ingredient wild boar, wild boar meat, or wild boar byproduct, must be listed as “Wild               
   
 
      
 
  
 
        
        
 
              
   
 
    
 
              
              
               
    
 
 
 
           
              
              
         
 
 
 
                
                     
             
       
 
           
               
      
 
 
 
          
 
             
             
     Boar ((Meat or meat byproduct) From Feral Swine)” in the ingredients statement in its 
proper order of predominance. 
See: Policy Memo 097 dated June 4, 1986 
WING SECTIONS: 
First wing section is described as the wing drummette 
Second wing section is described as the wing portion 
Wings Sections is an acceptable wing term for both wing drummette and wing portion 
when in natural proportions. 
WITH NATURAL JUICES (POULTRY): 
The term “With Natural Juices” may be used with poultry products to indicate the 
presence of cooked out juices derived solely from the liquid normally associated with the 
poultry prior to cooking. If liquids have been added to the poultry prior to cooking, 
natural can not be used. 
WRAPS: 
A ready -to-eat meat/poultry food product that may contain vegetables and seasoning 
ingredients and is wrapped in a dough based component, e.g., tortilla. The product name 
must bear the kind or species, e.g., “Ham Wraps.” The minimum meat or poultry 
requirement is 2 percent cooked meat or 2 percent cooked poultry meat. 
YEARLING: 
The term “yearling” (e.g. yearling beef) may be used to describe an animal of either sex 
that is too old to be classified as a calf or lamb but less than 2 years of age. The company 
is required to segregate carcasses and provide product identification to insure that no 
commingling occurs between qualifying and nonqualifying products. 
The terms “Yearling Ovine”, “Yearling Mutton” and “Yearling Sheep Meat” are 
acceptable product names for meat derived from sheep between 1 and 2 years of age. 
Yearling Lamb is not an acceptable name for this product. 
YEAST: 
1. Dried Brewers Yeast: Acceptable ingredient of meat food products. 
2. Autolyzed Yeast Extract: (Dehydrate of Paste form) Autolyzed yeast extract is not 
considered an artificial flavoring. Its presence should be reflected in the statement of 
ingredients as “autolyzed yeast extract.”    
  
      
 
  
 
               
               
  See: 9 CFR 317.2(f)(l)(i) 
9 CFR 317.8(b)(7) 
9 CFR 424.21 
9 CFR 381.118(c) 
9 CFR 381.147(f)(4) 
YIELD GRADES: 
When using specific grades for beef and pork cuts, the yield grade numbers must be 
identified based on the boxed product. Therefore, yield grades such as 2 or higher, are 
not acceptable.