Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

Objectives 

1. Explain the purpose of postmortem inspection. 

2. List the sources of regulatory authority used in postmortem inspection. 

3. List the six (6) inspection systems listed in 9 CFR 381.76. 

4. List the four (4) responsibilities of the establishment to ensure production of 

a safe and wholesome product 

5. List five (5) facility requirements plant management must provide at the 

postmortem inspection station. 

6. List four (4) duties of the inspector’s helper or trimmer required at the 

postmortem inspection station 

7. List the three (3) disposition options for carcasses at postmortem. 

8. Identify the two (2) conditions at postmortem that are considered of public 

health significance. 

9. Explain the procedure an on-line inspector should take when encountering a 

cadaver bird or DOA at post mortem inspection. 

10.List two (2) disposition actions a food inspector may take when a carcass is 

presented with no viscera 

11. List seven (7) causes for liver condemnation. 

12. List four (4) causes for kidney condemnation. 

13.List the criteria needed for condemnation of a carcass part related to 

fractures and luxations. 

14. List four (4) methods for disposing of condemned poultry product. 

15. List five (5) factors that justify FSIS adjusting line speed. 

8-1 
 

 

 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Introduction 

Postmortem inspection covers the inspection of the carcasses and parts of 

poultry used for human food. It takes place after ante mortem inspection and 

after the poultry has been slaughtered, thus the term “Postmortem,” meaning 

“after death” in Latin. 

Postmortem inspection covers the steps in the slaughter process that begin at 

stunning and ends at the step where the poultry is packaged and is ready to be 

transported from the establishment. 

The purpose of postmortem inspection is to protect the public health by ensuring 

that the carcasses and parts that enter commerce are wholesome, not 

adulterated and properly marked, labeled, and packaged. This means that any 

carcasses or parts that are unwholesome or adulterated and thereby unfit for 

human food do not enter commerce. 

In performing postmortem inspection, making regulatory decisions, documenting 

findings, and taking enforcement actions when appropriate, we are guided by the 

following statutes, regulations, directives, and notices. 

The statutory authority for postmortem inspection is listed in the Poultry Products 

Inspection Act (PPIA). The authority is as follows. 

PPIA Sec. 455(b). “Postmortem inspection: quarantine, segregation, and 

reinspection. The Secretary, whenever processing operations are being 

conducted, shall cause to be made by inspectors, postmortem inspection of the 

carcass of each bird processed, and at any time such quarantine, segregation, 

and reinspection as he deems necessary of poultry and poultry products capable 

of use as human food in each official establishment processing such poultry or 

poultry products for commerce or otherwise subject to inspection under this 

chapter.”

Regulations covering postmortem inspection 

Some of the key regulations that cover postmortem inspection for poultry are as 

follows. 

9 CFR 381.1(b) – Defines the term “poultry” to include any domesticated bird 

(chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guineas, ratites, or squabs). 

9 CFR 381.65(b) – States that poultry must be slaughtered in accordance 

with good commercial practices in a manner that will result in thorough 

bleeding of the carcasses and ensure that breathing has stopped prior to 

scalding. Blood from killing operation must be confined to a relatively small 

area. 

8-2 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

9 CFR 381.76 – Covers postmortem inspection procedures for six systems: 

traditional systems, Streamlined Inspection System (SIS), New Line Speed 

(NELS) Inspection System, the New Poultry Slaughter Inspection System 

(NPIS), the New Turkey Inspection (NTI) System, and the Ratite Inspection 

System. 381.76(a) states that a postmortem inspection shall be made on a 

bird-by-bird basis on all poultry eviscerated in an official establishment. 

381.76(b) outlines the inspection procedures for each of these five inspection 

systems. It includes responsibilities of the plant helper and trimmers, and 

requirements of establishment facilities. It also defines the maximum 

inspection rate, which is the line speed that is allowed for each inspection 

system. Inspection procedures and actions are outlined, as well as 

reinspection duties. 

9 CFR 381.77 – Covers carcasses held for further examination. It indicates 

that each carcass or any parts in which there is a lesion of disease or other 

condition which might render it adulterated and with respect to which a final 

decision cannot be made upon first examination by the inspector shall be held 

for further examination. The identity of the carcass and all parts must be 

maintained until a final examination has been completed. 

9 CFR 381.78 – Covers condemnation of carcasses and parts; and 

separation of poultry suspected of containing biological residues. 9 CFR 

381.78(a) states that at any time during inspection a carcass or part is found 

to be adulterated, it shall be condemned, except any articles that may be 

made not adulterated by reprocessing if reprocessed under the supervision of 

an inspector and then found to be not adulterated. 9 CFR 381.78(b) states 

that when a lot of poultry is suspected of containing biological residues is 

inspected in an official establishment; all carcasses and any parts of the 

carcasses in the lot are condemned and kept separate from all other 

condemned carcasses or parts. 

9 CFR 381.79 – States that each carcass and all organs and other parts of 

carcasses that are found to be not adulterated shall be passed for human 

food. 

9 CFR 381.80 –States that all carcasses, organs, and parts shall be 

condemned if it is determined on the basis of a sound statistical sample that 

they are adulterated because of the presence of any biological residue. 

9 CFR 381.81 – States that carcasses of poultry affected with tuberculosis 

shall be condemned. 

9 CFR 381.82 – States that carcasses of poultry affected with any one or 

more of several diseases of the leukosis complex shall be condemned. 

8-3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

9 CFR 381.83 – States that carcasses of poultry showing evidence of 

septicemia or toxemia, or evidence of an abnormal physiologic state shall be 

condemned. 

9 CFR 381.84 – States that carcasses with evidence of extensive airsacculitis 

or airsacculitis along with systemic changes shall be condemned. Less 

affected carcasses may be passed for human food after complete removal 

and condemnation of all affected tissues including the exudates. 

9 CFR 381.85 – States that carcasses of poultry showing evidence of any 

disease which is characterized by the presence in the meat or other edible 

parts of the carcass or organisms or toxins dangerous to the consumer shall 

be condemned. 

9 CFR 381.86 – States that any organ or other part of a carcass which is 

affected by an inflammatory process shall be condemned, and if there is 

evidence of general systemic disturbance, the whole carcass shall be 

condemned. 

9 CFR 381.87 – States that any organ or other part of a carcass which is 

affected by a tumor shall be condemned when there is evidence of 

metastasis, or that when the general condition of the bird is found to have 

been affected by the size, position, or nature of the tumor the whole carcass 

shall be condemned. 

9 CFR 381.88 – States that organs or other parts of carcasses which are 

found to be infested with parasites, or which show lesions of such infestation 

shall be condemned, and if the whole carcass is affected, the whole carcass 

shall be condemned. 

9 CFR 381.89 – States that any part of a carcass which is badly bruised shall 

be condemned, and if the whole carcass is affected as a result of the bruise, 

the whole carcass shall be condemned. Parts which show only a slight 

reddening from a bruise may be passed for food. 

9 CFR 381.90 – States that carcasses of poultry showing evidence of having 

died from causes other than slaughter, known as cadavers, shall be 

condemned. 

8-4 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

 9 CFR 381.91 – 9 CFR 381.91(a) states that carcasses of poultry 

contaminated by volatile oils, poisons, gasses, scald vat water in the air 

sac system, or other substances which render the carcasses adulterated 

shall be condemned. 381.91(b)(1) states that any carcass accidentally 

contaminated during slaughter with the contents of the digestive tract shall 

not be condemned if promptly reprocessed under the supervision of an 

inspector and subsequently found not to be adulterated. The final rule 

amended 9 CFR 381.91 to permit poultry slaughter establishments except 

for ratite establishments to use approved online reprocessing or offline 

reprocessing antimicrobial intervention systems to clean carcasses 

accidentally contaminated with digestive tract contents. The list of 

approved OLR and approved OFLR antimicrobial intervention systems 

and parameters of use for each system are located in tables 1 and 2 of 

FSIS Notice 50-14, Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection: 

Verification of Online Reprocessing and Offline Reprocessing 

Antimicrobial Intervention Systems, published 10-10-14. 

 9 CFR 381.91(b)(2) states the conditions under which FSIS will approve a 

reprocessing station. 

9 CFR 381.92 – States that carcasses of poultry that have been overscalded, 

resulting in a cooked appearance, shall be condemned. 

9 CFR 381.93 – 9 CFR 381.93(a) states that putrefied or stinking carcasses 

shall be condemned. 381.93(b) states that any part of a carcass which is 

green struck shall be condemned, and if the whole carcass is affected it shall 

be condemned. 381.93(c) states that carcasses affected by postmortem 

changes that are superficial can be passed for human food after removal and 

condemnation of affected parts. 

9 CFR 381.94 – Covers contamination with microorganisms; process control 

verification criteria and testing; and pathogen reduction standards. 

9 CFR 381.95 – Covers the disposal of condemned poultry products. 

8-5 
 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Directives related to postmortem inspection 

The Directives that cover the procedures for poultry postmortem inspection are 

found in the 6000 Directive series. 

FSIS Directive 6100.3, Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem Poultry Inspection 

FSIS Directive 6170.1 Ratite Ante-mortem and Post mortem Inspection 

FSIS Directive 6420.5 Verifying Poultry Slaughter Establishments 

Maintain Adequate Procedures for Preventing Contamination with Feces 

and Enteric Pathogens 

The regulations and directives provide the instructions for performing inspection 

procedures, making regulatory determinations, documenting noncompliance 

when appropriate, and taking regulatory action 

Establishment Responsibilities 

The primary responsibility of the establishment is to ensure that its production 

processes result in the safe and wholesome product. In addition, FSIS 

regulations outline some responsibilities of the establishment that are specifically 

related to postmortem inspection. These responsibilities include: 

Slaughtering poultry in accordance with good commercial practices 

Sanitary practices in preparing the carcass for postmortem inspection, 

Presenting carcasses and parts for inspection in a specified manner (called 

presentation) 

Facility requirements at the inspection stations. 

8-6 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Good Commercial Practices 

In poultry operations, methods of handling and slaughtering that are consistent 

with good commercial practices increase the likelihood of producing 

unadulterated product. FSIS regulations describe the operating procedures that 

poultry processors must follow to ensure sanitary processing, proper inspection, 

and the production of poultry products that are not adulterated. 

As an on-line inspector, it will be critical to notify the PHV when you observe 

increased numbers of cadaver birds at the post-mortem inspection station. The 

evidence of bright red cadaver birds means that the birds will were breathing 

prior to entering the scald vat. Also notify the off line inspection personnel, if the 

there is an increase in the number of broken or bruised legs or wings at the 

postmortem inspection station. 

These situations may indicate that the establishment is not adhering to good 

commercial practices and may result in the PHV documenting the 

noncompliance. 

You play a critical role in verifying good commercial practices by communicating 

your findings at the post-mortem inspection station to the PHV. 

8-7 
 

 

 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Prevention of Contamination 

As an on line inspector, you will communicate to the off line personnel if 

there is an increase in incidents or frequency of carcass contamination. The 

offline personnel will verify the poultry slaughter establishment is performing 

procedures in a manner that will prevent the creation of insanitary conditions 

and the adulteration of product. FSIS verifies that establishments implement 

procedures to prevent contamination, rather than relying only on 

reconditioning and reprocessing procedures at the end of the line to remove 

contamination that could have been prevented earlier. 

9 CFR 381.65(f) requires all establishments that slaughter poultry other than 

ratites to develop, implement and maintain written procedures to ensure that 

poultry carcasses contaminated with visible fecal material do not enter the 

chiller. 

9 CFR 381.65(g) requires that establishments that slaughter poultry other 

than ratites to develop, implement, and maintain written procedures to 

prevent contamination with enteric pathogens and feces throughout the 

slaughter process. 

Presentation 

The establishment must ensure that the carcasses are presented for inspection 

in a specified manner (9 CFR 381.76). The proper presentation of carcasses for 

postmortem inspection involves uniform and consistent feather removal, feet 

removal, opening of carcasses, evisceration, and shackling. 

For example, each carcass must be opened to expose the organs and body 

cavity for proper examination by the inspector. They must also be hung on the 

line in a specified manner and spaced appropriately. The organs must be 

displayed in a specified order so that the inspector does not have to spend time 

locating them before he or she performs inspection procedures. Proper 

presentation helps to ensure consistent and accurate inspection. 

There are variations in the ways in which an establishment will present carcasses 

and parts for inspection. You will learn the specifics about presentation at the 

establishment where you are assigned. . 

Feathers: The presence of feathers on carcasses at postmortem inspection is 

not significant. A carcass that has been scalded and passed through a picking 

machine will have sufficient feather removal for postmortem inspection. 

Inspectors should not direct carcasses to be hung back or the line speed to be 

reduced because of feathers. Pre-chill testing conducted by off-line inspectors 

8-8 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

will take into account and score feathers as a defect accordingly on the sheet. If 

test scores exceed the allowable numbers, then re-tests will be performed and 

product may be retained and reworked. 

Feet removal: Generally, the feet are removed at the hock joints. Washing the 

cut surface of hocks is not allowed until postmortem inspection is complete. 

Otherwise pathological exudate could be removed or obscured and prevent 

detection of synovitis. 

Opening Cut: Plant management must minimize contaminating the opening cut 

of the carcass. 

Evisceration and Shackling: Sanitation and consistency are important for a 

properly drawn carcass. Traditionally, viscera must be completely withdrawn, left 

suspended by natural attachments, and arranged consistently on the left or right 

side. 

With increasing frequency poultry slaughter plants are using automatic 

equipment on the eviscerating line. Often, the equipment is complex and requires 

careful and regular adjustment for proper function. It is the responsibility of plant 

management to maintain the machinery so that it works properly. 

The plant may use one of several methods available for suspending carcasses in 

the shackles. The plant may use a two-point or a three-point suspension 

depending on the facilities and local preference. Carcasses must be presented at 

the postmortem inspection station in a consistent manner. 

The shackles must be identified on lines that have more than one inspector. 

They may be either color coded or mechanically separated (as in the case of 

selecting devices which “kick out” carcasses automatically). 

Inspection Stations 

The establishment is responsible for providing appropriate inspection stations 

that meet regulatory requirements (9 CFR 381.76). The requirements may vary 

depending on the size of the plant and volume of operations. 

For example, in large poultry slaughter establishments, there may be separate 

inspection stations for carcasses and for carcasses that are salvaged and 

reprocessed. However, if you are assigned to a very small plant, inspection for all 

of the regulatory requirements may take place in one location. 

The requirements also vary with the type of inspection system being used by the 

establishment. There are six inspection systems recognized in 9 CFR 381.76 of 

the regulations and they are as follows: 

1. Traditional 

2. Streamlined Inspection System (SIS) 

8-9 
 

 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

3. New Line Speed Inspection System (NELS) 

4. New Poultry Slaughter Inspection System (NPIS) 

5. New Turkey Inspection System (NTI) 

6. Ratite 

Establishment management must provide the following facilities at the 

postmortem inspection station. 

Space: 

The amount of space required for the inspector and helper varies, depending 

upon the inspection method. Regulations require a minimum of 4’ x 2’ for each. 

If enough space is not available for the inspector and helper, then the IIC, FLS, 

and establishment management need to implement corrections. The 

recommended space for inspector and helper is not always adequate. Some 

plants need more. 

Lighting 

Lighting requirements also vary between inspection methods. Regulatory 

minimum lighting requirements at the postmortem station are: 

Traditional Inspection...................................... 50 foot-candles 

Streamlined Inspection System (SIS)................ 200 foot-candles 

New Line Speed Inspection System (NELS)........200 foot-candles 

New Poultry Slaughter Inspection System (NPIS) 200 foot-candles 

New Turkey Inspection System (NTIS)............. 200 foot-candles 

Other factors as important as the quantity of foot candles are the quality and 

direction of light. Light should not cause color changes on the inspected 

carcasses and should be shadow-free. Light with a minimum color-rendering 

index of 85 is mandatory with SIS, NTIS, NPIS, and NELS. 

Hand-rinsing facilities 

Water for hand washing with both hot and cold running water available, delivered 

through a suitable mixing device controlled by the inspector, or, alternatively, 

water at a minimum temperature of 65° F., must be available at the postmortem 

inspection station. 

Condemned containers 

Generally there are two types of condemned containers at the postmortem 

inspection station. One type is for parts and one is for the whole carcass. These 

containers must meet the sanitation requirements in 9 CFR 416.3(c). 

8-10 
 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Hangback racks 

The primary purpose of the hangback rack is to retain questionable carcasses for 

veterinary review and disposition. It is very important that you use your hang 

back racks to retain cadaver birds for the PHV. The racks can also be used for 

carcasses designated as salvage, improper presentation, etc. 

Start/stop switch 

A start/stop switch within easy reach of each inspector is required. 

Establishment Personnel 

The establishment is required to provide plant employees who act as presenters 

and helpers. 

With the SIS inspection system, the regulations require that each inspector be 

flanked with an establishment employee assigned to be the inspector’s helper (9 

CFR 381.76(b)(3)(iii)(b)). 

For the NELS inspection system, each inspector is to be flanked by two 

establishment employees, the presenter and the helper (9 CFR 

381.76.(b)(4)(i)(a)). 

The presenter must ensure that the bird is properly eviscerated and presented for 

inspection. 

The helper, as directed by the on line inspector, may 

Remove carcasses from the line. 

Mark FSIS form 6000-16 with condemnation/ disposition as directed by IPP 

Identify carcasses for salvage hang back or trim 

Trim defects and abnormalities if time allows 

Trimmers may be positioned down the line, after the giblet harvest, to trim 

defects and abnormalities prior to pre chill inspection. 

Inspection Responsibilities 

In this section, we will cover the inspection responsibilities related to postmortem 

inspection. 

Personal Hygiene 

You and all other inspection personnel must always maintain proper employee 

hygiene when conducting inspection procedures. This is required by 9 CFR 

416.5. In most cases, the establishment will have a set of requirements, such as 

Good Manufacturing Practices, that are required for plant employees. 

8-11 
 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

For example, the establishment may include requirements for employee hygiene 

such as hand washing, wearing hair and beard nets, and using foot washes 

when moving between edible and inedible areas of the establishment. You must 

meet or exceed those standards. 

General Methods of Postmortem Inspection 

The general methods you will use to conduct on line poultry slaughter inspection 

to detect diseases, abnormalities, and contamination will involve your senses. 

( organoleptic inspection) These senses include: 

Sight – observing a disease lesion (inflammatory process, airsacculitis or 

tumor). 

Feel – palpating (feeling an abnormal lump in tissues, feeling abnormal 

firmness in an organ). 

Smell – smelling a decomposed carcass 

Diseases, abnormalities, and contamination can occur at any place on the 

carcass or its parts. Signs of diseases, abnormalities, and contamination will 

include variations in size, position, color, shape, odor, consistency, or a 

combination of these factors. Some of the diseases and abnormalities will 

produce visible or palpable lesions in specific locations. 

The best way to learn what is “normal” is to look at birds under the direction of 

your supervisor and experienced inspectors who will explain what you see. 

Here are some general characteristics of normal poultry carcasses. Remember 

that normal poultry carcasses will vary as a result of age, breed, gender, 

nutrition, management, and killing/scalding/picking practices. 

The firmness of the flesh and the color and sheen of the tissues will depend on 

the age of the bird. The flesh and organ color tones are generally brighter in 

younger birds. Color tones tend to fade and decrease in intensity with advancing 

age. 

The comb and wattles of normal commercially slaughtered birds may vary from 

bright red to pale red and even yellowish in color. 

Fowl which have been in heavy production may have pale, shrunken combs, and 

the normal yellow coloration of beaks and shanks may be faded or completely 

depleted. 

Breeds of birds that have white, slate-colored, or black shanks generally have 

skin that is lighter in color than the skin of birds that have yellow shanks. 

A common characteristic of the Cornish breed is a greenish cast of the skin to the 

drumstick and thigh, sometimes extending to the abdomen. 

8-12 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Most of the commercial broiler birds in the U.S. are a cross between a Cornish 

chicken and another breed of chicken. As a result of this cross breeding, broiler 

or frying chicken carcasses will often show some degree of pigmentation of the 

skin on the legs and also in the abdominal fat reservoirs. 

Postmortem Dispositions 

The purpose of postmortem inspection is to make a decision about the 

wholesomeness of each poultry carcass inspected. 

One of the following outcomes will result from postmortem inspection. 

If the carcass is wholesome and normal without any localized disease 

condition, it is passed and allowed to continue down the line (9 CFR 381.79). 

If it does have a localized condition, the carcass would be trimmed by the 

inspector’s helper or a trimmer further down the line. These removed tissues 

are considered to be inedible and are condemned. 

The remainder of the carcass which is now wholesome or free of disease is 

allowed to continue after removal of the affected area. Carcasses may be 

passed subject to salvage or reprocessing at an offline station. 

If a final decision cannot be made by the inspector the carcass will be 

retained for further examination (381.77). When the inspector is undecided 

about the proper disposition of a carcass, the helper is notified to place the 

carcass on the hang back or retain rack. The Public Health Veterinarian 

reviews all such carcasses and makes a final disposition of whether to pass, 

trim, or condemn the bird. 

If there are systemic signs that indicate the carcass is unwholesome or 

diseased, the entire carcass is condemned (9 CFR 381.78(a)). 

The Regulations specifically tell us what to do in the case of some disease 

conditions. The conditions are listed on FSIS Form 6000-16 (Lot Tally Sheet) 

The criteria for condemnation in each category are as follows. 

8-13 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Diseases and Conditions of Public Health Significance 

Let’s review the diseases and conditions of public health significance along with 

the inspection dispositions that you will make. 

9 CFR 381.83 - Septicemia/toxemia 

Septicemia is a disease state caused by pathogenic (disease producing) 

microorganisms in the blood that have produced systemic change within the bird. 

Systemic change affects the body as a whole rather than a localized portion of it. 

In septicemia the normal functions of the bird’s organ systems are disrupted. 

The cells of the body deteriorate. This deterioration may be very rapid when 

highly virulent microorganisms are the cause, or it may be more gradual if less 

virulent ones are involved. 

In some cases, the changes produced by septicemia overwhelm the bird and 

result in death. In other cases, the bird’s immune system overcomes the 

causative organism before irreversible damage occurs and it subsequently 

recovers. 

8-14 
 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Septicemia is manifested by a group of clinical signs, not all of which will be 

present in a single carcass. 

Therefore, judgment plays an important part in correct dispositions for this 

condemnation category. Septicemic carcasses frequently have: 

petechial (pinpoint) hemorrhages on the heart, liver, kidneys, muscles, and 

serous membranes 

blood-tinged exudate in the body cavity (this can also be seen when birds are 

improperly stunned, so other changes must also be evident) 

swollen and hyperemic (contain an excess of blood) liver and spleen (remove 

most of the bacteria from the circulating blood) 

swollen and congested kidneys 

hyperemic skin (must be differentiated from changes seen in cadavers) 

muscle wasting (Some of this is caused by loss of appetite but most skeletal 

muscle breakdown is the result of changes in muscle metabolism that triggers 

protein degradation.) 

Depending upon the cause and duration of septicemia, carcasses might be 

hyperemic, cyanotic, anemic, dehydrated, edematous, or exhibit a combination of 

these signs. It is important to remember that no single carcass will show all of 

these signs. 

Toxemia is poisoning caused by the absorption of toxins produced by infective 

organisms and shows signs similar to septicemia. Both conditions often exist 

simultaneously. It is not necessary for the food inspector to differentiate between 

these two conditions. 

The Agency considers both conditions under the general category of 

septicemia/toxemia, commonly referred to as sep/tox. If a carcass shows 

systemic change, as described above, it is condemned for sep/tox. 

9 CFR 381.65(f) – Fecal Contamination 

In slaughter establishments, fecal contamination of carcasses is the primary 

avenue for contamination by pathogens. Pathogens may reside in fecal material, 

both in the gastrointestinal tract and on the exterior surfaces of the bird going to 

slaughter. Without care being taken in handling and sanitary dressing procedures 

during slaughter and processing, the edible portions of the carcass can become 

contaminated with bacteria capable of causing illness in humans. Once 

introduced into the establishment environment, the organisms may be spread 

from carcass to carcass or by other means. Therefore, FSIS enforces a “zero 

tolerance” standard for visible fecal material on poultry carcasses entering the 

chiller. 

Carcasses that are contaminated with fecal material may be reconditioned by 

either trimming or a combination of trimming and washing offline. The 

8-15 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

establishment may also have on line reprocessing using an antimicrobial 

intervention. If a carcass is so contaminated it cannot be inspected or if it is 

contaminated to the extent that it cannot be made wholesome the carcass would 

be condemned. 

Diseases and Conditions Not of Public Health Significance 

9 CFR 381.81 - Tuberculosis 

Avian tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium and 

usually is a chronic, slowly developing disease. This disease has largely been 

eradicated in domestic poultry in the U.S. but is still found occasionally in mature 

birds. 

Birds with TB develop a wasting condition characterized by loss of weight and 

diarrhea. At postmortem examination their carcasses are typically emaciated. 

Gray to yellow, firm nodules (tubercles) are often scattered along the intestines 

and may be found in various organs, especially the liver and spleen. Lungs 

generally have no gross lesions although, in advanced cases, any organ or 

tissue can be involved. 

Avian tuberculosis can infect humans but is not considered to be a serious threat 

to people with healthy immune systems. 

One definitive lesion is all that is required to condemn a poultry carcass for 

tuberculosis. 

9 CFR 381.82 – Leukosis Complex 

This category includes several neoplastic diseases caused by various viruses. 

All produce tumors in domestic poultry and present similar gross lesions. The 

age and species of bird affected by leukotic tumors suggests which viral agent is 

involved. 

The most common manifestations of the leukosis complex are: 

Marek’s disease, which is an important disease only in young chickens less 

than six months of age 

Lymphoid leukosis, which is most common in semi-mature and mature 

chickens 

Reticuloendotheliosis, which occasionally produces liver and spleen tumors in 

turkeys and, rarely, runting disease in chickens 

Lymphoproliferative disease, which affects turkeys, producing a greatly 

enlarged spleen as well as tumors in other organs. 

8-16 
 

 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

There is no evidence that viruses of the leukosis complex are pathogenic for 

humans. 

One definitive lesion justifies condemnation of the carcass. Definitive means a 

lesion that can be defended grossly as a lesion of leukosis. 

9 CFR 381.86 - Inflammatory Process 

Any organ or other part of a carcass which is affected by an inflammatory 

process shall be condemned and if there is evidence of general systemic 

disturbance, the whole carcass shall be condemned. 

Synovitis is caused by a number of organisms, most often members of the genus 

Mycoplasma. Injury and nutritional deficiencies also lead to synovitis. The result 

is acute or chronic inflammation of the membranes lining one or more joints and 

tendon sheaths. 

Joints are often noticeably swollen and might contain varying amounts of 

exudate. The liver, kidneys, and spleen may be swollen. In addition, the liver is 

sometimes stained green from bile stasis because the bird was too painful to 

move, and therefore did not eat. Lesions vary depending upon whether or not 

the condition is confined to the joints or has overwhelmed the bird’s defense 

mechanisms and caused systemic changes. 

A carcass with synovitis is not condemned unless it also shows systemic 

or sep/tox changes. 

Inflammatory Process (IP) is an inflammation in or under the skin caused by 

bacteria. This inflammation causes an immune response by the bird. IP can 

occur anywhere on the bird but is most often seen around the vent, abdominal 

flaps or side of the bird. IP appears as bright yellow cheesy material under the 

skin. On the skin, areas indicating the presence of IP will have a yellow color and 

sometimes, in severe cases, have a burnt waffle appearance. These localized 

changes in skin color are an indication of infection. 

Due to the insidious nature of IP and its ability to spread under the skin, 

carcasses showing these localized signs should be further examined on or off 

line to assure the unsafe and unfit portions are removed. 

A carcass with inflammatory process is not condemned unless it also shows 

systemic or sep/tox changes. 

Woody Breast or “White Striping” in broiler chickens is a condition that affects 

breast muscle tissues causing swelling and inflammation. Abnormalities can 

present as: scattered, small, pinpoint hemorrhages, blood spots or patches on 

the surface of the breast filet. Thick, gelatinous, blood stained fluid and 

deteriorated muscle may be present on one or both sides. 

8-17 
 

 

 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Inflammatory tissues are considered adulterated since they are unwholesome 

and unfit for human consumption. Establishments must trim lesions with active 

inflammation, but lesions that do not exhibit active inflammatory signs such as 

“White Striping” only, are considered a quality issue and do not need to be 

trimmed. 

9 CFR 381.87 - Tumors 

This category refers to tumors other than those of the leukosis complex. Some of 

the more common tumors include keratoacanthomas, adenocarcinomas, 

melanomas, hemangiomas and fibromas. 

8-18 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Keratoacanthomas, previously known as squamous cell carcinomas are skin 

tumors that arise from the feather follicle epithelium found in young chickens. 

These tumors are multicentric in nature, which means they can arise in 

different areas on the bird but are still considered to be benign. 

Adenocarcinomas generally are located on abdominal organs and are 

common in older birds. 

Melanomas are composed of melanin (black) pigmented cells. 

Hemangiomas are benign tumors made of newly formed blood vessels 

Fibromas may develop in any connective tissue. They are more common in 

older birds. 

Teratomas are composed of different types of tissue none of it native to the 

area it occurs. 

Numerous other types of tumors occur in domestic poultry but at a low 

frequency. There is no evidence that any of these types of tumors are a health 

threat to humans. 

Condemn a carcass for tumors if there is gross evidence of metastasis (more 

than one tumor of the same kind indicating spread), or if one large tumor causes 

a systemic disruption. 

Condemn young chickens showing generalized signs of avian keratoacanthoma 

with large coalescing (joining together) lesions. Trim all tumors and pass 

chickens with localized or only a few small keratoacanthoma lesions. 

9 CFR 381.89 - Bruises 

If bruises cause systemic change in a carcass, or if there is no part of the 

carcass that can be salvaged, the carcass is condemned and recorded under this 

category. Otherwise, if any part can be salvaged from the carcass, the bruises 

are trimmed and the remainder of the carcass is passed. If you encounter 

increased numbers or clusters of severely bruised carcasses at the inspection 

station, notify the PHV as this may be an indication the establishment is not 

following good commercial practices. 

9 CFR 381.90 – Cadavers 

Poultry that die from causes other than slaughter are condemned under the 

cadaver category. These birds are not physiologically dead and are still breathing 

when they enter the scald vat. Carcasses of poultry that die from drowning may 

exhibit signs of incomplete exsanguination (bleed-out), resulting in an 

8-19 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

unwholesome carcass. When submerged in the hot water, they drown, and the 

physiological reaction to the heat is for the blood vessels to expand or dilate 

causing the remaining blood to flow to the surface of the skin in an attempt to 

cool the bird. This is what causes the skin of the carcass or neck to become 

cherry red to purple. . 

9 CFR 381.92 - Overscald 

Carcasses that are cooked are condemned. The muscle must be cooked through 

the level of the deep pectoral muscle in order to be classified as an overscald. 

Simply having a superficial cooked appearance does not make a carcass 

overscalded. It is important for inspection program personnel to differentiate an 

overscald carcass from a hardscald carcass. 

Cooking of the most superficial surface of the superficial pectoral (breast) muscle 

occurs in a hardscald carcass. This produces a whitening of that surface. 

Many times overscalded carcasses will also be mutilated by picking machines. 

However, carcasses that are not cooked to the level of the deep pectoral muscle 

may also be mutilated by the picking machines. These carcasses should not be 

condemned for overscald, but should either be salvaged or condemned for 

contamination, depending upon the extent of the damage. 

If a carcass is to be condemned for overscald, the deep pectoral muscle must 

have a cooked appearance. 

9 CFR 381.84 – Airsacculitis 

To better understand airsacculitis, which is inflammation of the air sacs, you 

should understand what air sacs are and where they are in the live bird. 

There are nine air sacs in the chicken: unpaired clavicular and paired cervical, 

cranial thoracic, caudal thoracic and abdominal air sacs. The cervical and 

interclavicular air sacs connect to bone and the anterior deep pectoral muscle. 

Air sacs are normally thin clear membrane pouches. The air sacs occupy all 

space in the thoraco-abdominal cavity not occupied by other organs. The air sacs 

are disrupted during evisceration and you will only see the remains. 

8-20 
 

·~f 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

To better understand air sac anatomy and structure see the following diagram. 

Numerous microorganisms cause airsacculitis, which is inflammation of air sacs. 

Many times there is more than one infectious agent identified in an outbreak. 

Bacteria of the genus Mycoplasma are frequently involved in cases of 

airsacculitis. Birds are more susceptible to infections of the air sacs when they 

are under stress. Vaccination, other disease, poor nutrition, insanitary conditions, 

and poor ventilation are contributing factors. 

The lesions of airsacculitis can be acute or chronic. Their appearance ranges 

from slight clouding of air sac membranes and small amounts of watery exudates 

(which is generally an acute lesion) to thickened, opaque membranes and large 

amounts of thick, white-to-cream colored and/or cheesy exudates (which is 

generally a chronic lesion). 

The exudates can be confined to the air sacs and their diverticuli, or they may be 

found in other areas of the body if the air sac membranes are ruptured. 

Pneumonia, pericarditis, and perihepatitis might be present. In some cases all 

portions of the respiratory tract (nasal passages, sinuses, trachea, bronchi, 

lungs, and air sacs and their diverticuli) are affected. In other cases little 

involvement beyond the air sacs is evident. Systemic change can occur with 

airsacculitis. 

Carcasses are condemned if there is evidence of extensive involvement of the air 

sacs. If the exudate cannot be effectively removed, the carcass is condemned. 

Carcasses are also condemned if airsacculitis occurs in conjunction with 

systemic change. 

8-21 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Establishments may have procedures in place to salvage carcasses by ensuring 

the removal of all affected tissues and exudates in a sanitary manner. Salvaged 

carcasses are subject to reinspection by off line personnel. 

1) When establishments do NOT have airsacculitis programs, the on-line 

inspectors are to condemn the airsacculitis affected carcass and instruct the 

helper to record condemned birds under the airsacculitis category. 

2) When establishments have airsacculitis salvage programs but choose not to 

salvage all affected carcasses, the on-line inspector is to continue to identify 

birds eligible for salvage. Establishments may regulate the flow of product by 

sending the affected carcasses to salvage or by disposing of salvageable 

carcasses and marking those carcasses as “plant rejects” on the lot sheet. 

3) When specific production is extensively affected with airsacculitis, 

establishments with a salvage program may elect to suspend salvage for the 

entire specific production. The IIC is to instruct the on-line inspection team to 

condemn salvageable birds and instruct the helper to record the condemned 

birds under the airsacculitis category on the lot sheet. 

Note: As per FSIS Notice 05-19, IPP are to condemn kidneys (9 CFR 

381.78(a)) when either renal (kidney) pathology is present or if airsacculitis is 

present specifically in the abdominal air sac membranes making the kidneys an 

affected tissue, and the posterior (back) part of the carcass is salvaged for 

airsacculitis per 9 CFR 381.84. 

9 CFR 381.83 Abnormal Physiologic States– Ascites 

Ascites is an abnormal physiological condition in which fluid accumulates in the 

body cavities. It occurs in young, rapidly growing chickens due to genetic and 

nutritional improvements. The rapid growth of the birds leads to an increase in 

the oxygen demands of the chicken. When the birds are under stress, this can 

lead to right sided heart failure and the subsequent accumulation of fluid around 

the heart. The right sided heart failure may force the fluid into the abdominal 

cavity. 

If the carcass shows evidence of ascites and is characterized by the presence of 

septicemia and/or toxemia or any other disease condition, the carcass must be 

condemned under the septicemia/toxemia category. 

If the amount of fluid in the body cavity is such that it interferes with proper 

inspection the carcass must be condemned under the “other” category on the lot 

sheet. 

If there is no evidence of any other disease condition and the fluid does not 

interfere with inspection, the carcass may be passed after removal of the fluid. 

8-22 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Other conditions 

No Viscera - Carcasses condemned because there are no viscera to inspect. 

Carcasses are classified as no viscera if none of the three major organsheart, liver, and spleen - are present for inspection. Disposition of no-viscera 

carcasses are determined by the veterinarian in charge and are based upon 

flock incidence of disease. Carcasses should be hung back and the 

veterinarian in charge notified. 

Plant rejects - When the establishment rejects a carcass before inspection, 

condemn as plant reject on the lot tally sheet. 

Carcasses rejected by the establishment at salvage should also be recorded 

as a plant reject on the lot tally sheet. 

Parts Disposition 

When conditions are localized, the appropriate inspection decision may be to 

condemn the carcass part. If there is an unwholesome portion or part that can be 

effectively removed, the remainder of the carcass is considered wholesome. 

Some organs or parts that may be condemned because of localized conditions 

without condemning the whole carcass are: 

Livers 

Condemn livers with: 

fatty degeneration 

extensive petechiae or hemorrhages 

inflammation or necrosis cysts 

or cirrhosis 

discoloration due to a biliary system disorder or postmortem changes 

contamination from intestinal content or noxious materials 

Kidneys 

Condemn kidneys when: 

the carcass has renal pathology, 

there are pathological conditions requiring condemnation of all viscera, or 

airsacculitis is present specifically in the abdominal air sac membranes making

the kidneys an affected tissue, and the posterior (back) part of the carcass is 

salvaged for airsacculitis per 9 CFR 381.84 (vacuum the kidneys from carcass or 

salvaged posterior portion).

Note: Hepatic (liver) or splenic (spleen) pathology which is determined by IPP to

be localized and visibly limited to the affected organ require only the affected

visceral organ to be condemned. Localized pathology of the liver or spleen 

8-23 
 

 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

does not require simultaneous condemnation of the kidneys unless the

kidneys are also affected by visible pathological changes.

Fractures 

A fracture with no associated hemorrhage is passed. 

A fracture with hemorrhage in the affected part is trimmed and the remainder of the 

carcass is passed. 

A compound fracture, one in which the bone goes through skin, is trimmed 

whether or not there is hemorrhage present. 

–

Luxations 

Luxation is a simple disjointment without breaking the skin and without 

hemorrhage. 

It does not have to be trimmed. 

If hemorrhage does not extend into the musculature, trim or slit/wash out the 

hemorrhage. Do not trim simple redness of skin. 

9 CFR 381.91 Contamination other than Fecal 

(a) Carcasses contaminated by volatile oils, paints, poisons, gases, scald vat 

water in air sacs shall be condemned. Carcasses mutilated shall be condemned 

if whole carcass is affected. 

Carcasses contaminated with digestive contents shall not be condemned if properly 

and promptly reprocessed using an approved method and parameters of use. The 

establishment must incorporate procedures for online reprocessing or offline 

reprocessing into its Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan or 

Sanitation standard operating procedures (Sanitation SOP) or other prerequisite 

program (9 CFR 381.91(b)(1) and (2). Under the final rule, establishments are 

permitted to use online reprocessing and offline reprocessing if it uses approved 

parameters for use of its antimicrobial intervention system. 

9 CFR 381.78 allows adulterated carcasses to be reprocessed under FSIS 

supervision such that it is rendered unadulterated and fit for human consumption. 

Establishments that demonstrate effective sanitary dressing and process control 

procedures can propose corrective actions that will render the product wholesome 

and, at the discretion of the Inspector in Charge (IIC), be allowed to reprocess 

adulterated carcasses in order to render them fit for human consumption. 

8-24 
 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Carcasses that are accidentally contaminated with the contents of the digestive 

tract during slaughter are not to be condemned if they can be reprocessed in a 

manner so that they can be found to be unadulterated. Contamination on the 

external surfaces that are cut must be trimmed. Contamination of the inner 

surfaces may be trimmed or vacuumed. 

All visible contamination must be removed, and if inner surfaces are reprocessed, 

all surfaces of the carcass must be treated with an approved antimicrobial 

intervention system 

Reprocessing of contaminated carcasses can be done either off line or on line. 

Off-line reprocessing is the point in the evisceration process where internally 

contaminated carcasses are reprocessed off-line according to 9 CFR 381.91(b) 

(1) and (b)(2). 

Carcasses that have their body cavities contaminated with digestive tract contents 

may be rendered unadulterated by prompt washing, trimming, and/or vacuuming, 

If the procedure is performed off line, there must be adequate facilities, trained 

personnel, and the procedure must be accomplished in a sanitary manner in order 

to maintain product flow and prevent cross contamination. 

Facilities at the off line reprocessing station usually will include: 

a trough or table that is sloped and properly drained 

a retain rack designed to prevent cross contamination 

adequate space in the eviscerating room or suitable adjacent area 

conveniently located hand washing facilities 

a knife rack or stand 

containers for chilling product 

al least 50 foot candles of light 

a spray nozzle with proper fitting for cleaning carcasses 

approved antimicrobial intervention system 

8-25 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

On-Line Reprocessing (OLR), is the point in the slaughter process where 

contaminated eviscerated carcasses are reprocessed on-line following the 

provisions of FSIS Notice 50-14 Verification of Online Reprocessing (OLR) and 

Offline Reprocessing (OFLR) Antimicrobial Intervention Systems. 

Establishments need to have incorporated written procedures into their HACCP 

system for reprocessing. Since the final rule has become effective, 

establishments no longer need waivers to use approved OLR and OFLR 

antimicrobial intervention systems. A list of approved antimicrobial intervention 

systems can be found in tables 1 and 2 of FSIS Notice 50-14. 

Salvage at Offline Locations: 

The establishment must have a procedure for each type of salvage. The 

procedures must be done under sanitary conditions, with adequate facilities, and 

personnel must be available. There should be a continuous product flow without 

pileup or delay. 

Facilities at salvage stations should include: 

adequate space located in the eviscerating area 

a retain rack designed to prevent cross-contamination 

a trough or table sloped and properly drained 

a singer, if there is not one in the picking room 

containers for chilling the product 

a spray nozzle with proper fittings to clean carcasses 

a facility for washing hands, tools, etc., such as a gooseneck 

a minimum of 50 foot-candles of light at contamination salvage 

Contamination- Knife Salvage 

When a carcass is designated for knife salvage because of body cavity 

contamination, most plants follow a salvage technique similar to the following: 

remove the viscera 

hang the carcass by the neck in a designated area on the retain rack 

transfer the carcass to the salvage station and rehang it by the neck 

wash external carcass surfaces thoroughly before any cutting 

properly trim the carcass without cutting into the body cavity or opening cut 

surfaces 

8-26 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

usually save both wings, both legs, and the breast muscle, including the deep 

and superficial pectoral muscles 

Airsacculitis - Knife Salvage 

Special attention must be given to salvaging carcasses with airsacculitis because 

of the complexity of the interclavicular air sac and the associated diverticuli. If the 

visible part of the interclavicular air sac is inflamed, assume all of it is inflamed 

and salvage the carcass accordingly. All exudates and the kidneys must be 

removed. 

When a carcass is designated for knife salvage because of airsacculitis, most 

plants follow a salvage technique similar to the following: 

The salvaged carcass with airsacculitis is usually hung by the legs to 

distinguish it from a salvageable contaminated carcass. 

Other steps, such as removing the viscera, transferring the carcass to the 

salvage station, etc. are also followed for carcasses with airsacculitis. 

The following portions of the carcasses are usually salvageable: the wings 

(minus the portion containing the humeral bones), the legs, and the breast 

muscle. The area of the breast muscle, that area around the first wing joint is 

condemned and the deep pectoral muscle anterior to breastbone bursa is 

condemned. All the rest is eligible for salvage. 

Airsacculitis Salvage - Vacuuming 

When the interclavicular air sacs are not involved in airsacculitis, knife salvage is 

not required. The requirement for this type of salvage is removal of all exudates 

and the kidneys. This can be accomplished by vacuuming the carcass with a 

vacuuming device, or by removing all exudates and kidneys by hand. This type 

of salvage is appropriate when there is involvement of the abdominal and/or 

thoracic air sacs without involvement of the interclavicular air sacs, because the 

thoracic and abdominal air sacs do not have diverticuli that extend into bone. 

When a carcass is designated for reprocessing because of body-cavity 

contamination, the plant usually will: 

remove the viscera and hang the carcass in a designated area on the rack 

or line 

transfer the carcass to the reprocessing station and suspend it to prevent 

contamination during reprocessing 

remove the crop 

wash the external surface thoroughly 

remove contaminants by trimming, vacuuming, and/or washing. Any 

contamination of cut surfaces must be removed by trimming 

8-27 
 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

thoroughly rinse with water containing at least 20 ppm available chlorine 

measure and record the chlorine concentration at least once a day 

monitor reprocessed birds 

make birds available for reinspection by the FSIS inspector 

If retain racks at the USDA inspection station or reprocessing station are filled, 

the inspector in charge (IIC) should allow the plants the option of disposing of 

contaminated carcasses or adjusting the production rate. Carcasses disposed 

of by the plant because of reprocessing pileups should be recorded as plant 

rejects. 

Condemned and Inedible Product 

Condemned product is product that has been determined through inspection to 

be diseased or condition that renders it unfit for human consumption. It is 

prohibited from entering commerce for use as human food (318.95). 

Inedible product is any product that is adulterated, uninspected, or not intended 

for use as human food. The term inedible refers to product that by its nature is 

not handled as human food. Examples include bones, intestines, lungs, 

reproductive organs, feet, etc. If inedible product is diseased or has the 

appearance of edible product, it must be handled as condemned. 

Both condemned and inedible products are not fit for human consumption. Due 

to the edible appearance of condemned product, its control is most crucial and 

the requirements found in the regulations are very specific. Edible product may 

have a similar appearance to condemned product and some inedible product. 

Inspectors must maintain control over condemned products. There are three 

ways to do this: 

sight – under direct supervision of inspection personnel 

lock or seal – place a government lock or seal on the container 

denaturing 

The regulations related to the handling and disposal of condemned or other 

inedible poultry products are similar to the meat regulations. They are found in 9 

CFR 381.95. Here’s a brief summary of this regulation. FSIS inspectors must 

verify that the establishment disposes of condemned and inedible products using 

one of the appropriate methods outlined in the regulation. 

Condemned and inedible poultry products may be disposed of by one of the 

following. 

Steam (381.95(a)) 

Burying (381.95(e)) 

8-28 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Incineration (burning) (381.95(b)) 

Chemical denaturing (381.95(c)) 

Dye denaturing (381.95(c)(3)) 

Only burying and burning may be used for products condemned for biological 

residues. 

Line Speeds 

Maximum line speeds established by FSIS are permitted on the eviscerating line 

when optimum conditions exist (9 CFR 381.76). When there are less than 

optimum conditions, line speed adjustment is required. 

The IIC is responsible for directing plant management to reduce the line speed to 

permit adequate inspection. When the IIC is satisfied that the situation that 

necessitated the line speed reduction has been corrected, he or she will allow the 

line speed to be increased. 

FSIS may require the establishment to adjust line speed to a slower rate than the 

maximum for the following reasons (FSIS Directive 6550.1). 

poultry class and the size of the birds in the class 

if the weight of the bird interferes with inspection 

presentation errors, such as viscera on the wrong side or not presented in a 

consistent manner 

high level of disease incidence in birds 

plant personnel’s inability to accomplish eviscerating procedures in a sanitary 

manner with a minimum of contamination 

plant facilities 

Marks of Inspection 

Once the carcass and parts have been inspected and pass, it is eligible to bear 

the mark of inspection. The marks of inspection for poultry products are shown in 

9 CFR 381.98. 

Postmortem Inspection Reports 

During the shift, the “inspector’s helper” records condemnations on the FSIS 

Form 6000-16, Lot Tally Sheet. The slaughter report is an accurate record of the 

incidence of diseases encountered by on-line inspection program personnel 

performing post-mortem inspection. 

8-29 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

At the end of the shift, the on-line inspection program personnel are to ensure 

that off-line inspection program personnel receive the lot tally sheets. 

At the end of the shift, the Lot Tally Sheets from all on-line inspectors are collected 

and condemnations for each lot are totaled on a separate FSIS Form 6000-16 by 

the off line IPP. 

Plant management is also responsible for collecting data. Plant management must 

supply the total number of birds and their live weight per lot, and the total pounds 

condemned on antemortem, which includes the dead-on-arrival carcasses. Plant 

management must also supply inspection with the total weight in pounds of 

carcasses and of parts condemned on postmortem, and with the total weight in 

pounds of chilled and frozen product from that lot. Plant management supplies 

inspection with this data on FSIS Form 6510-7, Poultry Lot Information Sheet. 

In addition to the Lot Tally Sheets, a Condemnation Certificate, FSIS Form 9061-

2, is completed for each lot of poultry slaughtered. The Condemnation Certificate 

contains both antemortem and postmortem information and is completed and 

signed by the IIC. The data for the Condemnation Certificate is taken from the Lot 

Tally Summary Sheet and from the FSIS Form 6510-7, Poultry Lot Information 

Sheet, which is supplied by the plant. 

All of the above information will be entered by the Off-line IPP into the Animal 

Disposition section of PHIS. 

8-30 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

WORKSHOP 

1. What is the purpose of poultry postmortem inspection? 

2. List the 4 responsibilities of the establishment to ensure production of a safe 

and wholesome product. 

3. List facility requirements establishment management must provide at the 

postmortem inspection station. 

4. List the duties of the inspector’s helper required at the postmortem inspection 

station. 

5. Identify the two conditions at postmortem that are considered of public health 

significance. 

6. For each of the following conditions, give the disposition criteria. 

8-31 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Tuberculosis –

Leukosis –

Sep/tox –

SynovitisTumors –

Keratoacanthoma -

BruisesCadaver –

Contamination –

Overscald –

Airsacculitis –

IP –

Ascites –

8-32 
 

 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

7. List 7 causes for liver condemnation. 

8. List the criteria needed for condemnation of a carcass part related to fractures 

and luxations. 

9. List several factors that justify FSIS adjusting line speed. 

10. List three methods to maintain positive control over condemned poultry 

product. 

11. List methods for disposing of condemned poultry product. 

8-33 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

Review the slides for each case study and answer the following questions. 

1. Case Study 1 

What is the condition? 

What is the regulatory citation? 

What is your disposition? 

` 

2. Case Study 2 

What is the condition? 

What is the regulatory citation? 

What is your disposition? 

3. Case Study 3 

What is the condition? 

What is the regulatory citation? 

What is your disposition? 

8-34 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

4. Case Study 4 

What is the condition? 

What is the regulatory citation? 

What is your disposition? 

5. Case Study 5 

What is the condition? 

What is the regulatory citation? 

What is your disposition? 

8-35 
 

 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

APPENDIX 

Postmortem Inspection Procedures 

Traditional inspection procedures for young chickens 

The following procedure is used when the chicken carcass is presented on a two 

point suspension with viscera suspended on the inspector’s right. If the viscera 

is suspended on the left, the right and left hand functions become reversed. All 

other steps remain the same. If the carcass is suspended on a three point 

suspension, the inspection procedures are basically the same. The only 

exception is that there is a need to elevate the point of the keel upward (with the 

thumb) for complete viewing of the internal structure. 

Major steps Key points Reason for this step 

1. Reach for the 

carcass; make a 

general 

observation. 

Observe hock joints and skin 

surfaces as the carcass 

approaches; outside leading 

leg and inside trailing leg. 

To detect improper 

presentation (improper 

removal of shank and 

foot). To detect 

abnormalities of the hock 

joints. To detect 

dehydration and other 

evidence of systemic 

disturbance. 

2. Grasp carcass. Left thumb will elevate the flap 

of the abdominal fat and skin 

from inspector’s line of vision 

(open body cavity). Little 

finger and ring finger will 

palpate the back of the 

carcass. Left hand will slightly 

tilt and manipulate the entire 

carcass as needed. 

To make it possible to 

observe all internal 

organs, tissues, and body 

walls. To assure 

unobstructed view of all 

internal areas. 

3. View of interior 

of carcass. 

Observe interclavicular air 

sacs, lungs, sex organs, 

kidneys, thoracic and 

abdominal air sacs, and body 

walls. 

To detect any 

pathological lesions, 

exudates, contaminating 

substances, or 

processing defects. 

4. Viscera Right hand will manipulate the To detect any 

inspection suspended visceral organs so 

that the spleen, heart, and liver 

may be observed and 

palpated. Spleen should be 

rolled and must be crushed on 

pathological lesions, 

exudates, contaminating 

substances, or 

processing defects. 

8-36 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

adult poultry. Liver must be 

palpated and all surfaces and 

lobes viewed. 

Major steps Key points Reason for this step 

5. Tibia palpation If carcass approaches from the To detect bone 

with rotation of inspector’s right, the left hand enlargement (due 

carcass. (Note: If will cross over and grasp the primarily to 

tibia palpation is not trailing tibia between thumb osteoporosis). Also to 

required, the leg and forefinger. Carcass will be aid in joint observation. 

can still be used to rotated clockwise so that the To observe presence of 

turn the carcass to breast, wings, and front of legs skin tumors, bruises, 

allow observation of may be observed. If the fractures, or processing 

pectoral surfaces. carcass approaches from the 

inspector’s left, the right hand 

will cross over, grasp the 

trailing tibia, and rotate the 

carcass counterclockwise. 

defects involving the 

breast, wing, and leg 

areas. 

6. Final position of 

carcass. 

If no action is required on the 

carcass, it will be rotated back 

to the normal position. As this 

is being done, the opposite 

hand (whether right or left) will 

simultaneously reach for the 

next carcass and bring it into 

position. If further action is 

required (trimming, retaining, 

condemning), the carcass will 

be left in a position (turned 

backward, leg out of shackle, 

etc.), that will help identify the 

desired action. 

To achieve a smooth, 

rhythmic motion that 

allows the inspector to 

perform postmortem 

inspection procedures. 

Streamlined inspection procedure for inspection of broilers and Cornish 

game hens 

The streamlined inspection procedure allows one inspector to conduct whole-bird 

inspection without the aid of a mirror or carcass tilt or turn, and with minimal 

viscera manipulation. Identification and removal of trimmable lesions and 

conditions after carcass inspection is the responsibility of the plant. The birds 

8-37 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

07-02-2019 

arrive at the inspection station positioned in the kick-out near the edge of the 

trough, with the membranes removed to allow viewing the inside of the carcass, 

and the viscera reflecting one abdominal flap. The viscera are left near the body 

opening. The viscera must be consistently reflected on the right or left of the 

abdominal flap of the carcass. 

In the following inspection procedure descriptions, when the birds are moving 

into the inspection state from the left, the left hand will be referred to as the 

upstream hand, and the right hand will be referred to as the downstream hand. If 

the birds were moving into the station from the right, then the hand descriptions 

would be reversed. 

When the viscera is leading with birds entering the inspection station, the 

inspection procedures are as follows. 

1. Grasp the trailing thigh of the carcass with the upstream hand, reflecting 

the flap with the thumb. 

2. Grasp the leading viscera with the downstream hand and observe the 

inside surfaces of the carcass. 

3. Release the thigh and observe the viscera with minimal viscera 

manipulation. 

4. Release the viscera. Observe the exposed trailing outside surfaces of the 

carcass without tilting or turning the bird. Orally communicate the 

disposition of the bird to the helper, and begin the inspection cycle on the 

next bird entering the inspection station. 

When the viscera is trailing with birds entering the inspection station, the 

inspection procedures are as follows. 

1. Grasp the trailing viscera of the carcass with the upstream hand, 

observing the exposed leading outside surfaces of the carcass without 

tilting or turning the bird. 

2. Grasp the leading thigh with the downstream hand, reflecting the flap with 

the thumb, and observing the viscera with minimal visceral manipulation. 

3. Observe the inside surface of the carcass and release the viscera. 

4. Release the thigh. Orally communicate the disposition of the bird to the 

helper, and begin the inspection cycle on the next bird entering the 

inspection station. 

8-38 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

The inspector must communicate inside carcass disposition (trim, salvage, 

vacuum, or reprocess) to the helper for proper marking of the identified condition. 

He or she must also communicate viscera dispositions to the helper, because the 

viscera will be harvested prior to the trim station. Note: The plant assistant at 

the inspection station is referred to as a helper and not a trimmer. The primary 

purpose of a helper is to assist the inspector, mark birds with proper local 

signals, remove condemned birds, mark condemned sheets, and remove 

questionable birds for veterinary disposition. Helpers may trim if it does not 

interfere with their primary task of assisting the inspector. 

The inspector confines his or her observations to the outside of the carcass to 

those that affect the disposition of the whole carcass. Trimmable lesions or 

conditions (such as bruises, scabs, breast blisters, inflammatory process) under 

the streamlined inspection procedure are the responsibility of the plant at the trim 

station, prior to the final wash on the evisceration line. If an inspector notices a 

trimmable condition that might not be detected at the trim station (such as 

synovitis or inflammatory process), he or she will point it out to the helper for 

marking to signal the trimmer. If the disposition of the whole bird is in question, 

then the trimming will take place at the inspection station. The inspector usually 

hangs these birds back for veterinary disposition. 
I I I 

, 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

FLOW CHART FOR POSTMORTEM REPORTS 

Example for a Plant with 4 line Inspectors 

FSIS Form 

6000-16 

Lot Tally 

Sheet 

1st inspector 

FSIS Form 

6000-16 

Lot Tally 

Sheet 

2nd inspector 

FSIS Form 

6000-16 

Lot Tally 

Sheet 

3rd inspector 

FSIS Form 

6000-16 

Lot Tally 

Sheet 

4th inspector 

FSIS Form 

6000-16 

Summary of 

Lot Tally Sheets 

for all inspectors 

Completed in 

FSIS OFFICE by 

PHV or off-line 

designee. 

FSIS Form 

6510-7 

Lot 

Information 

supplied by 

plant mgmt. 

and attached 

to FSIS office 

copy of all 

above 

FSIS Form 

9061-2 

Condemnation 

Certificate 

4 copies – 1st, 

2nd, 3rd, to 

plant, 4th copy 

is attached to 

copies of 

FSIS Form 

6000-16 and 

the Summary 

6000-16. 
INSPECTED 

POUL TRY INSPECTION - LOT TALLY SHEET PLANT NO. LOT NO. 

CLASS OF POUL TRY 

□ Fryer-Roaster Turkeys (03) 

□ Ducks (06) 

□ Other (Gulneoa, Squabs, 

□ Heavy Fowl (12) Pigeons, etc.) (09) 

□ Young Chickens (01) 

□ Young Turkeys (04) 

□ Geese (07) 

□ Light Fowl (02) 

□ Old Breeder Turl<eys (05) 

□ Rabbits (08) D capons(11) □ Young llrNcwTurkeya (14) 

CONDEMNED ON POST-MORTEM INSPECTION 

POST-MORTEM INSPECTION CARCASSES (NYD} PARTS 

Lb. Lb. 

CONDEMNATION TOTAL CAUSE 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 

Tuberculosis 

Leukosis 

Septicaemia 

and Toxemia 

Synovitis 

Tumors 

Bruises 

Cadaver 

Contamination 

Overscald 

Airsacculitis 

OTHER: 

lnflamatory 

Process (IP) 

No Viscera (NV) 

Plant Reject (PR) 

SPECIAL 

SURVEYS 

CODES 

REMARKS 

NAME OF INSPECTOR 

FSIS FORM 6000-16 (5195) REPLACES FSIS FORM 6000-16 (6/90), WHICH MAY BE USED UNTIL EXHAUSTED USDA-FSIS 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

36 
Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

37 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

Poultry Products Inspection Act 

Title 21 - Food and Drugs 

Chapter 10 - Poultry and Poultry Products Inspection 

§451. Congressional statement of findings 

Poultry and poultry products are an important source of the Nation's total supply 

of food. They are consumed throughout the Nation and the major portion thereof 

moves in interstate or foreign commerce. It is essential in the public interest that 

the health and welfare of consumers be protected by assuring that poultry 

products distributed to them are wholesome, not adulterated, and properly 

marked, labeled, and packaged. Unwholesome, adulterated, or misbranded 

poultry products impair the effective regulation of poultry products in interstate or 

foreign commerce, are injurious to the public welfare, destroy markets for 

wholesome, not adulterated, and properly labeled and packaged poultry 

products, and result in sundry losses to poultry producers and processors of 

poultry and poultry products, as well as injury to consumers. It is hereby found 

that all articles and poultry which are regulated under this chapter are either in 

interstate or foreign commerce or substantially affect such commerce, and that 

regulation by the Secretary of Agriculture and cooperation by the States and 

other jurisdictions as contemplated by this chapter are appropriate to prevent and 

eliminate burdens upon such commerce, to effectively regulate such commerce, 

and to protect the health and welfare of consumers. 

Sec. 452. Congressional declaration of policy 

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to provide for the inspection 

of poultry and poultry products and otherwise regulate the processing and 

distribution of such articles as hereinafter prescribed to prevent the movement or 

sale in interstate or foreign commerce of, or the burdening of such commerce by, 

poultry products which are adulterated or misbranded. It is the intent of Congress 

that when poultry and poultry products are condemned because of disease, the 

reason for condemnation in such instances shall be supported by scientific fact, 

information, or criteria, and such condemnation under this chapter shall be 

achieved through uniform inspection standards and uniform applications thereof. 

Sec. 453. Definitions 

For purposes of this chapter -

(a) The term ''commerce'' means commerce between any State, any 

territory, or the District of Columbia, and any place outside thereof; or 

within any territory not organized with a legislative body, or the District of 

Columbia. 

38 
 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the term ''State'' 

means any State of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto 

Rico. 

(c) The term ''territory'' means Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United 

States, American Samoa, and any other territory or possession of the 

United States, excluding the Canal Zone. 

(d) The term ''United States'' means the States, the District of 

Columbia, and the territories of the United States. 

(e) The term ''poultry'' means any domesticated bird, whether live or dead. 

(f) The term ''poultry product'' means any poultry carcass, or part thereof; 

or any product which is made wholly or in part from any poultry carcass or 

part thereof, excepting products which contain poultry ingredients only in a 

relatively small proportion or historically have not been considered by 

consumers as products of the poultry food industry, and which are 

exempted by the Secretary from definition as a poultry product under such 

conditions as the Secretary may prescribe to assure that the poultry 

ingredients in such products are not adulterated and that such products 

are not represented as poultry products. 

(g) The term ''adulterated'' shall apply to any poultry product under one or 

more of the following circumstances: 

o (1) if it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance 

which may render it injurious to health; but in case the substance is 

not an added substance, such article shall not be considered 

adulterated under this clause if the quantity of such substance in or 

on such article does not ordinarily render it injurious to health; 

o (2) 

 (A) if it bears or contains (by reason of administration of any 

substance to the live poultry or otherwise) any added 

poisonous or added deleterious substance (other than one 

which is 

 (i) a pesticide chemical in or on a raw agricultural 

commodity; 

 (ii) a food additive; or 

 (iii) a color additive) which may, in the judgment of the 

Secretary, make such article unfit for human food; 

 (B) if it is, in whole or in part, a raw agricultural commodity 

and such commodity bears or contains a pesticide chemical 

39 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

which is unsafe within the meaning of section 346a of this 

title; 

 (C) if it bears or contains any food additive which is unsafe 

within the meaning of section 348 of this title; 

 (D) if it bears or contains any color additive which is unsafe 

within the meaning of section 379e of this title: Provided, 

That an article which is not otherwise deemed adulterated 

under clause 

o if it bears or contains any color additive which is unsafe of the 

pesticide chemical, food additive, or color additive in or on such 

article is prohibited by regulations of the Secretary in official 

establishments; 

o (3) if it consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or 

decomposed substance or is for any other reason unsound, 

unhealthful, unwholesome, or otherwise unfit for human food; 

o (4) if it has been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary 

conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, or 

whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health; 

o (5) if it is, in whole or in part, the product of any poultry which has 

died otherwise than by slaughter; 

o (6) if its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any 

poisonous or deleterious substance which may render the contents 

injurious to health; 

o (7) if it has been intentionally subjected to radiation, unless the use 

of the radiation was in conformity with a regulation or exemption in 

effect pursuant to section 348 of this title; 

o (8) if any valuable constituent has been in whole or in part omitted 

or abstracted therefrom; or if any substance has been substituted, 

wholly or in part therefor; or if damage or inferiority has been 

concealed in any manner; or if any substance has been added 

thereto or mixed or packed therewith so as to 

increase its bulk or weight, or reduce its quality or strength, or make 

it appear better or of greater value than it is. 

(h) The term ''misbranded'' shall apply to any poultry product under one or 

more of the following circumstances: 

o (1) if its labeling is false or misleading in any particular; 

40 
Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

o (2) if it is offered for sale under the name of another food; 

o (3) if it is an imitation of another food, unless its label bears, in type 

of uniform size and prominence, the word 

''imitation'' and immediately thereafter, the name of the food 

imitated; 

o (4) if its container is so made, formed, or filled as to be misleading; 

o (5) unless it bears a label showing (A) the name and the place of 

business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; and (B) an 

accurate statement of the quantity of the product in terms of weight, 

measure, or numerical count: Provided, That under clause (B) of 

this subparagraph (5), reasonable variations may be permitted, and 

exemptions as to small packages or articles not in packages or 

other containers may be established by regulations prescribed by 

the Secretary; 

o (6) if any word, statement, or other information required by or under 

authority of this chapter to appear on the label or other labeling is 

not prominently placed thereon with such conspicuousness (as 

compared with other words, statements, designs, or devices, in the 

labeling) and in such terms as to render it likely to be read and 

understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions of 

purchase and use; 

o (7) if it purports to be or is represented as a food for which a 

definition and standard of identity or composition has been 

prescribed by regulations of the Secretary under section 457 of this 

title unless (A) it conforms to such definition and standard, and (B) 

its label bears the name of the food specified in the definition and 

standard and, insofar as may be required by such regulations, the 

common names of optional ingredients (other than spices, 

flavoring, and coloring) present in such food; 

o (8) if it purports to be or is represented as a food for which a 

standard or standards of fill of container have been prescribed by 

regulations of the Secretary under section 457 of this title, and it 

falls below the standard to fill of container applicable thereto, unless 

its label bears, in such manner and form as such regulations 

specify, a statement that it falls below such standard; 

o (9) if it is not subject to the provisions of subparagraph (7), unless 

its label bears (A) the common or usual name of the food, if any 

there be, and (B) in case it is fabricated from two or more 

ingredients, the common or usual name of each such ingredient; 

except that spices, flavorings, and colorings may, when authorized 

by the Secretary, be designated as spices, flavorings, and colorings 

without naming each: Provided, That to the extent that compliance 

with the requirements of clause (B) of this subparagraph (9) is 

impracticable or results in deception or unfair competition, 

exemptions shall be established by regulations promulgated by the 

Secretary; 

41 
 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

o (10) if it purports to be or is represented for special dietary uses 

unless its label bears such information concerning its vitamin, 

mineral, and other dietary properties as the Secretary, after 

consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, 

determines to be, and by regulations prescribes as, necessary in 

order fully to inform purchasers as to its value for such uses; 

o (11) if it bears or contains any artificial flavoring, artificial coloring, 

or chemical preservative unless it bears labeling stating that fact: 

Provided, That, to the extent that compliance with the requirements 

of this subparagraph (11) is impracticable, exemptions shall be 

established by regulations promulgated by the Secretary; or 

o (12) if it fails to bear on its containers, and in the case of 

nonconsumer packaged carcasses (if the Secretary so requires) 

directly thereon, as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe, the 

official inspection legend and official establishment number of the 

establishment where the article was processed, and, unrestricted 

by any of the foregoing, such other information as the Secretary 

may require in such regulations to assure that it will not have false 

or misleading labeling and that the public will be informed of the 

manner of handling required to maintain the article in a wholesome 

condition. 

(i) The term ''Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture or his 

delegate. 

(j) The term ''person'' means any individual, partnership, corporation, 

association, or other business unit. 

(k) The term ''inspector'' means: (1) an employee or official of the United 

States Government authorized by the Secretary to inspect poultry and 

poultry products under the authority of this chapter, or (2) any employee or 

official of the government of any State or territory or the District of 

Columbia authorized by the Secretary to inspect poultry and poultry 

products under authority of this chapter, under an agreement entered into 

between the Secretary and the appropriate State or other agency. 

(l) The term ''official mark'' means the official inspection legend or any 

other symbol prescribed by regulation of the Secretary to identify the 

status of any article or poultry under this chapter. 

(m) The term ''official inspection legend'' means any symbol prescribed by 

regulations of the Secretary showing that an article was inspected for 

wholesomeness in accordance with this chapter. 

42 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

(n) The term ''official certificate'' means any certificate prescribed by 

regulations of the Secretary for issuance by an inspector or other person 

performing official functions under this chapter. 

(o) The term ''official device'' means any device prescribed or authorized 

by the Secretary for use in applying any official mark. 

(p) The term ''official establishment'' means any establishment as 

determined by the Secretary at which inspection of the slaughter of 

poultry, or the processing of poultry products, is maintained under the 

authority of this chapter. 

(q) The term ''inspection service'' means the official Government service 

within the Department of Agriculture designated by the Secretary as 

having the responsibility for carrying out the provisions of this chapter. 

(r) The term ''container'' or ''package'' includes any box, can, tin, cloth, 

plastic, or other receptacle, wrapper, or cover. 

(s) The term ''label'' means a display of written, printed, or graphic matter 

upon any article or the immediate container (not including packaged 

liners) of any article; and the term ''labeling'' means all labels and other 

written, printed, or graphic matter (1) upon any article or any of its 

containers or wrappers, or (2) accompanying such article. 

(t) The term ''shipping container'' means any container used or 

intended for use in packaging the product packed in an immediate 

container. 

(u) The term ''immediate container'' includes any consumer package; or 

any other container in which poultry products, not consumer packaged, 

are packed. 

(v) The term ''capable of use as human food'' shall apply to any carcass, 

or part or product of a carcass, of any poultry, unless it is denatured or 

otherwise identified as required by regulations prescribed by the Secretary 

to deter its use as human foods, or it is naturally inedible by humans. 

(w) The term ''processed'' means slaughtered, canned, salted, stuffed, 

rendered, boned, cut up, or otherwise manufactured or processed. 

(x) The term ''Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act'' means the Act so 

entitled, approved June 25, 1938 (52 Stat. 1040) (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), 

and Acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto. 

(y) The terms ''pesticide chemical,'' ''food additive'', ''color additive'', and 

''raw agricultural commodity'' shall have the same meanings for purposes 

43 
 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

of this chapter as under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 

U.S.C. 301 et seq.). 

(z) The term ''poultry products broker'' means any person engaged in the 

business of buying or selling poultry products on commission, or otherwise 

negotiating purchases or sales of such articles other than for his own 

account or as an employee of another person. 

(aa) The term ''renderer'' means any person engaged in the business 

of rendering carcasses, or parts or products of the carcasses, of 

poultry, except rendering conducted under inspection or exemption 

under this chapter. 

(bb) The term ''animal food manufacturer'' means any person engaged in 

the business of manufacturing or processing animal food derived wholly or 

in part from carcasses, or parts or products of the carcasses, of poultry. 

Sec. 454. Federal and State cooperation in development and administration 

of State poultry product inspection programs 

(a) State laws; planning, technical and financial assistance; 

advisory committees 

It is the policy of the Congress to protect the consuming public from poultry 

products that are adulterated or misbranded and to assist in efforts by State and 

other government agencies to accomplish this objective. In furtherance of this 

policy -

(1) The Secretary is authorized, whenever he determines that it would 

effectuate the purposes of this chapter, to cooperate with the appropriate 

State agency in developing and administering a State poultry product 

inspection program in any State which has enacted a mandatory State 

poultry product inspection law that imposes ante mortem and postmortem 

inspection, reinspection and sanitation requirements that are at least equal 

to those under this chapter, with respect to all or certain classes of 

persons engaged in the State in slaughtering poultry or processing poultry 

products for use as human food solely for distribution within such State. 

(2) The Secretary is further authorized, whenever he determines that it 

would effectuate the purposes of this chapter, to cooperate with 

appropriate State agencies in developing and administering State 

programs under State laws containing authorities at least equal to those 

provided in section 460 of this title; and to cooperate with other agencies 

of the United 

States in carrying out any provisions of this chapter. In carrying out the 

provisions of this chapter, the Secretary may conduct such examinations, 

44 
 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

investigations, and inspections as he determines practicable through any 

officer or employee of any State or Territory or the District of Columbia 

commissioned by the Secretary for such purpose. 

(3) Cooperation with State agencies under this section may include 

furnishing to the appropriate State agency (i) advisory assistance in 

planning and otherwise developing an adequate State program under the 

State law; and (ii) technical and laboratory assistance and training 

(including necessary curricular and instructional materials and equipment), 

and financial and other aid for administration of such a program. The 

amount to be contributed to any State by the Secretary under this section 

from Federal funds for any year shall not exceed 50 per centum of the 

estimated total cost of the cooperative program; and the Federal funds 

shall be allocated among the States desiring to cooperate on an equitable 

basis. Such cooperation and payment shall be contingent at all times upon 

the administration of the State program in a manner which the Secretary, 

in consultation with the appropriate advisory committee appointed under 

subparagraph (4), deems adequate to effectuate the purposes of this 

section. 

(4) The Secretary may appoint advisory committees consisting of such 

representatives of appropriate State agencies as the Secretary and the 

State agencies may designate to consult with him concerning State and 

Federal programs with respect to poultry product inspection and other 

matters within the scope of this chapter, including evaluating State 

programs for purposes of this chapter, and obtaining better coordination 

and more uniformity among the State programs and between the Federal 

and State programs and adequate protection of consumers. 

(b) Appropriate State agency; performance of functions 

by subordinate governmental unit 

The appropriate State agency with which the Secretary may cooperate under this 

chapter shall be a single agency in the State which is primarily responsible for 

the coordination of the State programs having objectives similar to those under 

this chapter. When the State program includes performance of certain functions 

by a municipality or other subordinate governmental unit, such unit shall be 

deemed to be a part of the State agency for purposes of this section. 

(c) Intrastate activities; designation of State for regulation; 

publication of designation; exempted operations; termination of 

designation; review of operations in nondesignated States; annual 

report 

o (1) If the Secretary has reason to believe, by thirty days prior to the 

expiration of two years after August 18, 1968, that a State has 

failed to develop or is not enforcing, with respect to all 

45 
 

 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

establishments within its jurisdiction (except those that would be 

exempted from Federal inspection under subparagraph (2) of this 

paragraph (c)) at which poultry are slaughtered, or poultry products 

are processed for use as human food, solely for distribution within 

such State, and the products of such establishments, requirements 

at least equal to those imposed under sections 451 to 453, 455 to 

459, 461 to 467d of this title, he shall promptly notify the Governor 

of the State of this fact. If the Secretary determines, after 

consultation with the Governor of the State, or representative 

selected by him, that such requirements have not been developed 

and activated, he shall promptly after the expiration of such twoyear period designate such State as one in which the provisions of 

said sections of this chapter shall apply to operations and 

transactions wholly within such State: Provided, That if the 

Secretary has reason to believe that the State will activate such 

requirements within one additional year, he may delay such 

designation for said period, and not designate the State, if he 

determines at the end of the year that the State then has such 

requirements in effective operation. The Secretary shall publish any 

such designation in the Federal Register and, upon the expiration 

of thirty days after such publication, the provisions of said sections 

of this chapter shall apply to operations and transactions and to 

persons engaged therein in the State to the same extent and in the 

same manner as if such operations and transactions were 

conducted in or for commerce. However, notwithstanding any other 

provision of this section, if the Secretary determines that any 

establishment within a State is producing adulterated poultry 

products for distribution within such State which would clearly 

endanger the public health he shall notify the Governor of the State 

and the appropriate advisory committee provided for by 

subparagraph (a)(4) of this section of such fact for effective action 

under State or local law. If the State does not take action to prevent 

such endangering of the public health within a reasonable time after 

such notice, as determined by the Secretary, in light of the risk to 

public health, the Secretary may forthwith designate any such 

establishment as subject to the provisions of said sections of this 

chapter, and thereupon the establishment and operator thereof 

shall be subject to such provisions as though engaged in 

commerce until such time as the Secretary determines that such 

State has developed and will enforce requirements at least equal to 

those imposed under said sections. 

o (2) The provisions of this chapter requiring inspection of the 

slaughter of poultry and the processing of poultry products shall not 

apply to operations of types traditionally and usually conducted at 

retail stores and restaurants, when conducted at any retail store or 

restaurant or similar retail-type establishment for sale in normal 

46 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

retail quantities or service of such articles to consumers at such 

establishments if such establishment are subject to such inspection 

provisions only under this paragraph (c). For the purposes of this 

subparagraph, operations conducted at a restaurant central kitchen 

facility shall be considered as being conducted at a restaurant if the 

restaurant central kitchen prepares poultry products that are ready 

to eat when they leave such facility and are served in meals or as 

entrees only to customers at restaurants owned or operated by the 

same person owning or operating such facility: Provided, That such 

facility shall be subject to the provisions of section 460(b) of this 

title: Provided further, That the facility may be subject to the 

inspection requirements of this chapter for as long as the Secretary 

deems necessary, if the Secretary determines that the sanitary 

conditions or practices of the facility or the processing procedures 

or methods at the facility are such that any of its poultry products 

are rendered adulterated. 

o (3) Whenever the Secretary determines that any State designated 

under this paragraph (c) has developed and will enforce State 

poultry products inspection requirements at least equal to those 

imposed under the aforesaid sections of this chapter, with respect 

to the operations and transactions within such State which are 

regulated under subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (c), he shall 

terminate the designation of such State under this paragraph (c), 

but this shall not preclude the subsequent redesignation of the 

State at any time upon thirty days' notice to the Governor and 

publication in the Federal Register in accordance with this 

paragraph, and any State may be designated upon such notice and 

publication, at any time after the period specified in this paragraph 

whether or not the State has theretofore been designated, upon the 

Secretary determining that it is not effectively enforcing 

requirements at least equal to those imposed under said sections. 

o (4) The Secretary shall promptly upon August 18, 1968, and 

periodically thereafter, but at least annually, review the 

requirements, including the enforcement thereof, of the several 

States not designated under this paragraph (c), with respect to the 

slaughter, and the processing, storage, handling, and distribution of 

poultry products, and inspection of such operations, and annually 

report thereon to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 

Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 

Forestry of the Senate in the report required in section 470 of this 

title. 

(d) ''State'' defined 

As used in this section, the term ''State'' means any State (including the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) or organized territory. 

47 
 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

Sec. 455. Inspection in official establishments 

(a) Ante mortem inspection 

For the purpose of preventing the entry into or flow or movement in commerce of, 

or the burdening of commerce by, any poultry product which is capable of use as 

human food and is adulterated, the Secretary shall, where and to the extent 

considered by him necessary, cause to be made by inspectors ante mortem 

inspection of poultry in each official establishment processing poultry or poultry 

products for commerce or otherwise subject to inspection under this chapter. 

(b) Postmortem inspection; quarantine, segregation, 

and reinspection 

The Secretary, whenever processing operations are being conducted, shall 

cause to be made by inspectors postmortem inspection of the carcass of each 

bird processed, and at any time such quarantine, segregation, and reinspection 

as he deems necessary of poultry and poultry products capable of use as human 

food in each official establishment processing such poultry or poultry products for 

commerce or otherwise subject to inspection under this chapter. 

(c) Condemnation; appeal; reprocessing 

All poultry carcasses and parts thereof and other poultry products found to be 

adulterated shall be condemned and shall, if no appeal be taken from such 

determination of condemnation, be destroyed for human food purposes under the 

supervision of an inspector: Provided, That carcasses, parts, and products, which 

may by reprocessing be made not adulterated, need not be so condemned and 

destroyed if so reprocessed under the supervision of an inspector and thereafter 

found to be not adulterated. If an appeal be taken from such determination, the 

carcasses, parts, or products shall be appropriately marked and segregated 

pending completion of an appeal inspection, which appeal shall be at the cost of 

the appellant if the Secretary determines that the appeal is frivolous. If the 

determination of condemnation is sustained the carcasses, parts, and products 

shall be destroyed for human food purposes under the supervision of an 

inspector. 

Sec. 456. Operation of premises, facilities and equipment 

(a) Sanitary practices 

Each official establishment slaughtering poultry or processing poultry products for 

commerce or otherwise subject to inspection under this chapter shall have such 

premises, facilities, and equipment, and be operated in accordance with such 

sanitary practices, as are required by regulations promulgated by the Secretary 

48 
 

 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

for the purpose of preventing the entry into or flow or movement in commerce or 

burdensome effect upon commerce, of poultry products which are adulterated. 

(b) Refusal of inspection 

The Secretary shall refuse to render inspection to any establishment whose 

premises, facilities, or equipment, or the operation thereof, fail to meet the 

requirements of this section. 

Sec. 457. Labeling and container standards 

(a) Requirements for shipping containers and immediate 

containers; nonconsumer packaged carcasses 

All poultry products inspected at any official establishment under the authority of 

this chapter and found to be not adulterated, shall at the time they leave the 

establishment bear, in distinctly legible form, on their shipping containers and 

immediate containers as the Secretary may require, the information required 

under paragraph (h) of section 453 of this title. In addition, the Secretary 

whenever he determines such action is practicable and necessary for the 

protection of the public, may require nonconsumer packaged carcasses at the 

time they leave the establishment to bear directly thereon in distinctly legible form 

any information required under such paragraph (h). 

(b) Labeling requirements; definitions and standards of identity or 

composition or articles and standards of fill of container; standards 

consistent with Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; consistency 

between Federal and State standards 

The Secretary, whenever he determines such action is necessary for the 

protection of the public, may prescribe: 

(1) the styles and sizes of type to be used with respect to material 

required to be incorporated in labeling to avoid false or misleading 

labeling in marketing and labeling any articles or poultry subject to 

this chapter; 

(2) definitions and standards of identity or composition or articles 

subject to this chapter and standards of fill of container for such 

articles not inconsistent with any such standards established under 

the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), 

and there shall be consultation between the Secretary and the 

Secretary of Health and Human Services prior to the issuance of 

such standards under either Act relating to articles subject to this 

chapter to avoid inconsistency in such standards and possible 

impairment of the coordinated effective administration of this 

49 
 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

chapter and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. There shall 

also be consultation between the Secretary and an appropriate 

advisory committee provided for in section 454 of this title, prior to 

the issuance of such standards under this chapter, to avoid, insofar 

as feasible, inconsistency between Federal and State standards. 

(c) Use of trade names; false or misleading marking or 

labeling; misleading form or size of container 

No article subject to this chapter shall be sold or offered for sale by any person in 

commerce, under any name or other marking or labeling which is false or 

misleading, or in any container of a misleading form or size, but established trade 

names and other marking and labeling and containers which are not false or 

misleading and which are approved by the Secretary are permitted. 

(d) Withholding use of false or misleading mark, label, or container 

size or form; modification; hearing; conclusiveness of determination; 

appeal 

If the Secretary has reason to believe that any marking or labeling or the size or 

form of any container in use or proposed for use with respect to any article 

subject to this chapter is false or misleading in any particular, he may direct that 

such use be withheld unless the marking, labeling, or container is modified in 

such manner as he may prescribe so that it will not be false or misleading. If the 

person using or proposing to use the marketing, labeling, or container does not 

accept the determination of the Secretary, such person may request a hearing, 

but the use of the marking, labeling, or container shall, if the Secretary so directs, 

be withheld pending hearing and final determination by the Secretary. Any such 

determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within thirty days after 

receipt of notice of such final determination, the person adversely affected 

thereby appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which 

such person has its principal place of business or to the United States Court of 

Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The provisions of section 194 of title 

7 shall be applicable to appeals taken under this section. 

Sec. 458. Prohibited acts 

(a) No person shall -

o (1) slaughter any poultry or process any poultry products which are 

capable of use as human food at any establishment processing any 

such articles for commerce, except in compliance with the 

requirements of this chapter; 

o (2) sell, transport, offer for sale or transportation, or receive for 

transportation, in commerce, (A) any poultry products which are 

capable of use as human food and are adulterated or misbranded 

at the time of such sale, transportation, offer for sale or 

50 
 

 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

transportation, or receipt for transportation; or (B) any poultry 

products required to be inspected under this chapter unless they 

have been so inspected and passed; 

o (3) do, with respect to any poultry products which are capable of 

use as human food, any act while they are being transported in 

commerce or held for sale after such transportation, which is 

intended to cause or has the effect of causing such products to be 

adulterated or misbranded; 

o (4) sell, transport, offer for sale or transportation, or receive for 

transportation, in commerce or from an official 

establishment, any slaughtered poultry from which the blood, 

feathers, feet, head, or viscera have not been removed in 

accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary, except 

as may be authorized by regulations of the Secretary; 

o (5) use to his own advantage, or reveal other than to the authorized 

representatives of the United States Government or any State or 

other government in their official capacity, or as ordered by a court 

in any judicial proceedings, any information acquired under the 

authority of this chapter concerning any matter which is entitled to 

protection as a trade secret. 

(b) No brand manufacturer, printer, or other person shall cast, print, 

lithograph, or otherwise make any device containing any official mark or 

simulation thereof, or any label bearing any such mark or simulation, or 

any form of official certificate or simulation thereof, except as authorized 

by the Secretary. 

(c) No person shall -

o (1) forge any official device, mark, or certificate; 

o (2) without authorization from the Secretary use any official device, 

mark, or certificate, or simulation thereof, or alter, detach, deface, 

or destroy any official device, mark, or certificate; 

o (3) contrary to the regulations prescribed by the Secretary, fail to 

use, or to detach, deface, or destroy any official 

device, mark, or certificate; 

o (4) knowingly possess, without promptly notifying the Secretary or 

his representative, any official device or any counterfeit, simulated, 

forged, or improperly altered official certificate or any device or 

label or any carcass of any poultry, or part or product thereof, 

bearing any counterfeit, simulated, forged, or improperly altered 

official mark; 

o (5) knowingly make any false statement in any shipper's certificate 

or other nonofficial or official certificate provided for in the 

regulations prescribed by the Secretary; or 

51 
 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

o (6) knowingly represent that any article has been inspected and 

passed, or exempted, under this chapter when, in fact, it has 

respectively, not been so inspected and passed, or exempted. 

Sec. 459. Compliance by all establishments 

No establishment processing poultry or poultry products for commerce otherwise 

subject to this chapter shall process any poultry or poultry product except in 

compliance with the requirements of this chapter. 

Sec. 460. Miscellaneous activities subject to regulation 

(a) Prohibition of inspection of articles not intended for use as 

human food; denaturation or other identification prior to distribution 

in commerce; inedible articles 

Inspection shall not be provided under this chapter at any establishment for the 

slaughter of poultry or the processing of any carcasses or parts or products of 

poultry, which are not intended for use as human food, but such articles shall, 

prior to their offer for sale or transportation in commerce, unless naturally inedible 

by humans, be denatured or otherwise identified as prescribed by regulations of 

the Secretary to deter their use for human food. No person shall buy, sell, 

transport, or offer for sale or transportation, or receive for transportation, in 

commerce, or import, any poultry carcasses or parts or products thereof which 

are not intended for use as human food unless they are denatured or otherwise 

identified as required by the regulations of the Secretary or are naturally inedible 

by humans. 

(b) Recordkeeping requirements; persons liable; scope of 

disclosure; access to places of business; examination of records, 

facilities, and inventories; copies; samples 

The following classes of persons shall, for such period of time as the Secretary 

may by regulations prescribe, not to exceed two years unless otherwise directed 

by the Secretary for good cause shown, keep such records as are properly 

necessary for the effective enforcement of this chapter in order to insure against 

adulterated or misbranded poultry products for the American consumer; and all 

persons subject to such requirements shall, at all reasonable times, upon notice 

by a duly authorized representative of the Secretary, afford such representative 

access to their places of business and opportunity to examine the facilities, 

inventory, and records thereof, to copy all such records, and to take reasonable 

samples of their inventory upon payment of the fair market value therefor -

(1) Any person that engages in the business of slaughtering any poultry or 

processing, freezing, packaging, or labeling any carcasses, or parts or 

52 
 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

products of carcasses, of any poultry, for commerce, for use as human 

food or animal food; 

(2) Any person that engages in the business of buying or selling (as 

poultry products brokers, wholesalers or otherwise), or transporting, in 

commerce, or storing in or for commerce, or importing, any carcasses, or 

parts or products of carcasses, of any poultry; 

(3) Any person that engages in business, in or for commerce, as a 

renderer, or engages in the business of buying, selling, or transporting, in 

commerce, or importing, any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased poultry or 

parts of the carcasses of any poultry that died otherwise than by slaughter. 

(c) Registration of business, name of person, and trade names 

No person shall engage in business, in or for commerce, as a poultry products 

broker, renderer, or animal food manufacturer, or engage in business in 

commerce as a wholesaler of any carcasses, or parts or products of the 

carcasses, of any poultry, whether intended for human food or other purposes, or 

engage in business as a public warehouseman storing any such articles in or for 

commerce, or engage in the business of buying, selling, or transporting in 

commerce, or importing, any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased poultry, or parts 

of the carcasses of any poultry that died otherwise than by slaughter, unless 

when required by regulations of the Secretary, he has registered with the 

Secretary his name, and the address of each place of business at which, and all 

trade names under which, he conducts such business. 

(d) Regulation of transactions, transportation, or importation of 

dead, dying, disabled or diseased poultry or carcasses to prevent 

use as human food 

No person engaged in the business of buying, selling, or transporting in 

commerce, or importing, dead, dying, disabled, or diseased poultry, or any parts 

of the carcasses of any poultry that died otherwise than by slaughter, shall buy, 

sell, transport, offer for sale or transportation, or receive for transportation, in 

commerce, or import, any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased poultry or parts of 

the carcasses of any poultry that died otherwise than by slaughter, unless such 

transaction, transportation or importation is made in accordance with such 

regulations as the Secretary may prescribe to assure that such poultry, or the 

unwholesome parts or products thereof, will be prevented from being used for 

human food. 

(e) Federal provisions applicable to State or Territorial 

business transactions of a local nature and not subject to local 

authority 

53 
 

 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

The authority conferred on the Secretary by paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this 

section with respect to persons engaged in the specified kinds of business in or 

for commerce may be exercised with respect to persons engaged, in any State or 

organized territory, in such kinds of business but not in or for commerce, 

whenever the Secretary determines, after consultation with an appropriate 

advisory committee provided for in section 454 of this title, that the State or 

territory does not have at least equal authority under its laws or such authority is 

not exercised in a manner to effectuate the purposes of this chapter, including 

the State or territory providing for the Secretary or his representative being 

afforded access to such places of business and the facilities, inventories, and 

records thereof, and the taking of reasonable samples, where he determines 

necessary in carrying out his responsibilities under this chapter; and in such case 

the provisions of paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this section, respectively, shall apply 

to such persons to the same extent and in the same manner as if they were 

engaged in such business in or for commerce and the transactions involved were 

in commerce. 

Sec. 461. Offenses and punishment 

(a) Violations; liability of agents, employees, and employers 

Any person who violates the provisions of section 458, 459, 460, 463, or 466 of 

this title shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one 

year, or both; but if such violation involves intent to defraud, or any distribution or 

attempted distribution of an article that is adulterated (except as defined in 

section 453(g)(8) of this title), such person shall be fined not more than $10,000 

or imprisoned not more than three years, or both. When construing or enforcing 

the provisions of said sections the act, omission, or failure of any person acting 

for or employed by any individual, partnership, corporation, or association within 

the scope of his employment or office shall in every case be deemed the act, 

omission, or failure of such individual, partnership, corporation, or association, as 

well as of such person. 

(b) Liability of carrier 

No carrier shall be subject to the penalties of this chapter, other than the 

penalties for violation of section 460 of this title, by reason of his receipt, 

carriage, holding, or delivery, in the usual course of business, as a carrier, of 

poultry or poultry products, owned by another person unless the carrier has 

knowledge, or is in possession of facts which would cause a reasonable person 

to believe that such poultry or poultry products were not inspected or marked in 

accordance with the provisions of this chapter or were otherwise not eligible for 

transportation under this chapter or unless the carrier refuses to furnish on 

request of a representative of the Secretary the name and address of the person 

54 
 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

from whom he received such poultry or poultry products, and copies of all 

documents, if any there be, pertaining to the delivery of the poultry or poultry 

products to such carrier. 

(c) Assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain persons; 

murder; punishments 

Any person who forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, or 

interferes with any person while engaged in or on account of the performance of 

his official duties under this chapter shall be fined not more than $5,000 or 

imprisoned not more than three years, or both. Whoever, in the commission of 

any such acts, uses a deadly or dangerous weapon, shall be fined not more than 

$10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. Whoever kills any 

person while engaged in or on account of the performance of his official duties 

under this chapter shall be punished as provided under sections 1111 and 1114 

of title 18. 

Sec. 462. Reporting of violations; notice; opportunity to present views 

Before any violation of this chapter is reported by the Secretary to any United 

States attorney for institution of a criminal proceeding, the person against whom 

such proceeding is contemplated shall be given reasonable notice of the alleged 

violation and opportunity to present his views orally or in writing with regard to 

such contemplated proceeding. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as 

requiring the Secretary to report for criminal prosecution violations of this chapter 

whenever he believes that the public interest will be adequately served and 

compliance with the chapter obtained by a suitable written notice or warning. 

Sec. 463. Rules and regulations 

(a) Storage and handling of poultry products; violation of regulations 

The Secretary may by regulations prescribe conditions under which poultry 

products capable of use as human food, shall be stored or otherwise handled by 

any person engaged in the business of buying, selling, freezing, storing, or 

transporting, in or for commerce, or importing, such articles, whenever the 

Secretary deems such action necessary to assure that such articles will not be 

adulterated or misbranded when delivered to the consumer. Violation of any such 

regulation is prohibited. 

(b) Other necessary rules and regulations 

The Secretary shall promulgate such other rules and regulations as are 

necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. 

55 
 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

(c) Oral presentation of views 

In applying the provisions of section 553(c) of title 5 to proposed rule making 

under this chapter, an opportunity for the oral presentation of views shall be 

accorded all interested persons. 

Sec. 464. Exemptions 

(a) Persons exempted 

The Secretary shall, by regulation and under such conditions as to sanitary 

standards, practices, and procedures as he may prescribe, exempt from specific 

provisions of this chapter -

(1) retail dealers with respect to poultry products sold directly 

to consumers in individual retail stores, if the only 

processing operation performed by such retail dealers is the cutting up of 

poultry products on the premises where such sales to consumers are 

made; 

(2) for such period of time as the Secretary determines that it would be 

impracticable to provide inspection and the exemption will aid in the 

effective administration of this chapter, any person engaged in the 

processing of poultry or poultry products for commerce and the poultry or 

poultry products processed by such person: Provided, however, That no 

such exemption shall continue in effect on and after January 1, 1970; and 

(3) persons slaughtering, processing, or otherwise handling poultry or 

poultry products which have been or are to be processed as required by 

recognized religious dietary laws, to the extent that the Secretary 

determines necessary to avoid conflict with such requirements while still 

effectuating the purposes of this chapter. 

(b) Territorial exemption 

The Secretary may, under such sanitary conditions as he may by regulations 

prescribe, exempt from the inspection requirements of this chapter the slaughter 

of poultry, and the processing of poultry products, by any person in any Territory 

not organized with a legislative body, solely for distribution within such Territory, 

when the Secretary determines that it is impracticable to provide such inspection 

within the limits of funds appropriated for administration of this chapter and that 

such exemption will aid in the effective administration of this chapter. 

(c) Personal slaughtering; custom slaughtering; name and 

address of the poultry producer or processor in lieu of other 

labeling requirements; small enterprises; slaughterers or 

processors of 

56 
Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

specified number of turkeys; poultry producers raising poultry on 

own farms 

o (1) The Secretary shall, by regulation and under such conditions, 

including sanitary standards, practices, and procedures, as he may 

prescribe, exempt from specific provisions of this chapter -

 (A) the slaughtering by any person of poultry of his own 

raising, and the processing by him and transportation in 

commerce of the poultry products exclusively for use by him 

and members of 

his household and his nonpaying guests and employees; 

 (B) the custom slaughter by any person of poultry delivered 

by the owner thereof for such slaughter, and the processing 

by such slaughterer and transportation in commerce of the 

poultry products exclusively for use, in the household of such 

owner, by him and members of his household and his 

nonpaying guests and 

employees: Provided, That such custom slaughterer does 

not engage in the business of buying or selling any poultry 

products capable of use as human food; 

 (C) the slaughtering and processing of poultry products in 

any State or Territory or the District of Columbia by any 

poultry producer on his own premises with respect to sound 

and healthy poultry raised on his premises and the 

distribution by any person solely within such jurisdiction of 

the poultry products derived 

from such operations, if, in lieu of other labeling 

requirements, such poultry products are identified with the 

name and address of such poultry producer, and if they are 

not otherwise misbranded, and are sound, clean, and fit for 

human food when so distributed; and 

 (D) the slaughtering of sound and healthy poultry or the 

processing of poultry products of such poultry in any State or 

territory or the District of Columbia by any poultry producer 

or other person for distribution by him solely within such 

jurisdiction directly to household consumers, restaurants, 

hotels, and boarding houses, for use in their own dining 

rooms, or in the preparation of meals for sales direct to 

consumers, if, 

in lieu of other labeling requirements, such poultry products 

are identified with the name and address of the processor, 

and if they are not otherwise misbranded and are sound, 

clean, and fit for human food when distributed by such 

processor. The exemptions provided for in clauses (C) and 

(D) above shall not apply if the poultry producer or other 

person engages in the current calendar year in the business 

57 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

of buying or selling any poultry or poultry products other than 

as specified in such clauses. 

o (2) In addition to the specific exemptions provided herein, the 

Secretary shall, when he determines that the protection of 

consumers from adulterated or misbranded poultry products will not 

be impaired by such action, provide by regulation, consistent with 

subparagraph (3), for the exemption of the operation and products 

of small enterprises (including poultry producers), not exempted 

under subparagraph (1), which are engaged in any State or 

Territory or the District of Columbia in slaughtering and/or cutting 

up poultry for distribution as carcasses or parts thereof solely for 

distribution within such jurisdiction, from such provisions of this 

chapter as he deems appropriate, while still protecting the public 

from adulterated or misbranded products, under such conditions, 

including sanitary requirements, as he shall prescribe to effectuate 

the purposes of this chapter. 

o (3) No exemption under subparagraph (1)(C) or (D) or 

subparagraph (2) shall apply to any poultry producer or other 

person who, in the current calendar year -

 (A) slaughters or processes the products of more than 

20,000 poultry; or 

 (B) slaughters or processes the products of poultry at a 

facility used for slaughtering or processing of the products of 

poultry by any other poultry producer or person. 

Notwithstanding clause (B), the Secretary may grant such 

exemption to any poultry producer or other person if the 

Secretary determines, upon application of such poultry 

producer or other person, that granting such exemption will 

not impair effectuating the purposes of this chapter. 

o (4) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to poultry 

producers with respect to poultry of their own raising on their own 

farms if (i) such producers slaughter not more than 1,000 poultry 

during the calendar year for which this exemption is being 

determined; (ii) such poultry producers do not engage in buying or 

selling poultry products other than those produced from poultry 

raised on their own farms; and (iii) none of such poultry moves in 

commerce (as defined in section 453(a) of this title). 

(d) Pizzas containing poultry products 

o (1) Under such terms and conditions as the Secretary shall 

prescribe through rules and regulations issued under this section 

that may be necessary to ensure food safety and protect public 

health such as special handling procedures, the Secretary shall 

exempt pizzas containing a poultry product from the inspection 

requirements of this chapter if -

58 
 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

 (A) the poultry product components of the pizzas have been 

prepared, inspected, and passed in a cured or cooked form 

as ready-to-eat in compliance with the requirements of this 

chapter; and 

 (B) the pizzas are to be served in public or private nonprofit 

institutions. 

o (2) The Secretary may withdraw or modify any exemption under 

this subsection whenever the Secretary determines such action is 

necessary to ensure food safety and to protect public health. The 

Secretary may reinstate or further modify any exemption withdrawn 

or modified under this subsection. 

(e) Applicability of adulteration and misbranding provisions 

to articles exempted from inspection 

The adulteration and misbranding provisions of this chapter, other than the 

requirement of the inspection legend, shall apply to articles which are exempted 

from inspection under this section, except as otherwise specified under 

paragraphs (a) and (d). 

(f) Suspension or termination of exemption 

The Secretary may by order suspend or terminate any exemption under this 

section with respect to any person whenever he finds that such action will aid in 

effectuating the purposes of this chapter. 

Sec. 465. Limitations upon entry of poultry products and other materials 

into official establishments 

The Secretary may limit the entry of poultry products and other materials into any 

official establishment, under such conditions as he may prescribe to assure that 

allowing the entry of such articles into such inspected establishments will be 

consistent with the purposes of this chapter. 

Sec. 466. Imports 

(a) Compliance with standards and regulations; status 

after importation 

No slaughtered poultry, or parts or products thereof, of any kind shall be imported 

into the United States unless they are healthful, wholesome, fit for human food, 

not adulterated, and contain no dye, chemical, preservative, or ingredient which 

renders them unhealthful, unwholesome, adulterated, or unfit for human food and 

unless they also comply with the rules and regulations made by the Secretary of 

Agriculture to assure that imported poultry or poultry products comply with the 

standards provided for in this chapter. All imported, slaughtered poultry, or parts 

59 
 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

or products thereof, shall after entry into the United States in compliance with 

such rules and regulations be deemed and treated as domestic slaughtered 

poultry, or parts or products thereof, within the meaning and subject to the 

provisions of this chapter and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 

U.S.C. 301 et seq.), and Acts amendatory of, supplemental to, or in substitution 

for such chapter and Act. 

(b) Rules and regulations; destruction and exportation of 

refused imports 

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to make rules and regulations to carry 

out the purposes of this section and in such rules and regulations the Secretary 

of Agriculture may prescribe the terms and conditions for the destruction of all 

slaughtered poultry, or parts or products thereof, offered for entry and refused 

admission into the United States unless such slaughtered poultry, or parts or 

products thereof, be exported by the consignee within the time fixed therefor in 

such rules and regulations. 

(c) Storage, cartage and labor charges for imports refused admission 

All charges for storage, cartage, and labor with respect to any product which is 

refused admission pursuant to this section shall be paid by the owner or 

consignee, and in default of such payment shall constitute a lien against any 

other products imported thereafter by or for such owner or consignee. 

(d) Domestic standards and processing facilities 

applicable; enforcement 

o (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all poultry, or parts 

or products of poultry, capable of use as human food offered for 

importation into the United States shall -

 (A) be subject to inspection, sanitary, quality, species 

verification, and residue standards that achieve a level of 

sanitary protection equivalent to that achieved under United 

States standards; and 

 (B) have been processed in facilities and under conditions 

that achieve a level of sanitary protection equivalent to that 

achieved under United States standards. 

o (2) 

 (A) The Secretary may treat as equivalent to a United States 

standard a standard of an exporting country described in 

paragraph (1) if the exporting country provides the Secretary 

with scientific evidence or other information, in accordance 

with risk assessment methodologies determined appropriate 

by the Secretary, to demonstrate that the standard of the 

exporting country achieves the level of sanitary protection 

achieved under the United States standard. For the 

60 
 

 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

purposes of this subsection, the term ''sanitary protection'' 

means protection to safeguard public health. 

 (B) The Secretary may -

 (i) determine, on a scientific basis, that the standard 

of the exporting country does not achieve the level of 

protection that the Secretary considers appropriate; 

and 

 (ii) provide the basis for the determination in writing to 

the exporting country on request. 

o (3) Any such imported poultry article that does not meet such 

standards shall not be permitted entry into the United States. 

o (4) The Secretary shall enforce this subsection through -

 (A) random inspections for such species verification and for 

residues; and 

 (B) random sampling and testing of internal organs and fat of 

carcasses for residues at the point of slaughter by the 

exporting country, in accordance with methods approved by 

the Secretary. 

Sec. 467. Inspection services 

(a) Refusal or withdrawal; hearing; business unfitness based 

upon certain convictions; persons responsibly connected with the 

business 

The Secretary may (for such period, or indefinitely, as he deems necessary to 

effectuate the purposes of this chapter) refuse to provide, or withdraw, inspection 

service under this chapter with respect to any establishment if he determines, 

after opportunity for a hearing is accorded to the applicant for, or recipient of, 

such service, that such applicant or recipient is unfit to engage in any business 

requiring inspection upon this chapter because the applicant or recipient or 

anyone responsibly connected with the applicant or recipient, has been 

convicted, in any Federal or State court, within the previous ten years of (1) any 

felony or more than one misdemeanor under any law based upon the acquiring, 

handling, or distributing of adulterated, mislabeled, or deceptively packaged food 

or fraud in connection with transactions in food; or (2) any felony, involving fraud, 

bribery, extortion, or any other act or circumstances indicating a lack of the 

integrity needed for the conduct of operations affecting the public health. For the 

purpose of this paragraph a person shall be deemed to be responsibly connected 

with the business if he was a partner, officer, director, holder, or owner of 10 per 

centum or more of its voting stock or employee in a managerial or executive 

capacity. 

(b) Hearing to determine validity of withdrawal or refusal 

of inspection services; continuation of withdrawal or 

refusal 

61 
 

 

 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

Upon the withdrawal of inspection service from any official establishment for 

failure to destroy condemned poultry products as required under section 455 of 

this title, or other failure of an official establishment to comply with the 

requirements as to premises, facilities, or equipment, or the operation thereof, as 

provided in section 456 of this title, or the refusal of inspection service to any 

applicant therefor because of failure to comply with any requirements under 

section 456 of this title, the applicant for, or recipient of, the service shall, upon 

request, be afforded opportunity for a hearing with respect to the merits or validity 

of such action; but such withdrawal or refusal shall continue in effect unless 

otherwise ordered by the Secretary. 

(c) Finality and conclusiveness of determination; judicial 

review; record 

The determination and order of the Secretary when made after opportunity for 

hearing, with respect to withdrawal or refusal of inspection service under this 

chapter shall be final and conclusive unless the affected applicant for, or recipient 

of, inspection service files application for judicial review within thirty days after 

the effective date of such order in the United States Court of Appeals as provided 

in section 457 of this title. Judicial review of any such order shall be upon the 

record upon which the determination and order are based. The provisions of 

section 194 of title 7 shall be applicable to appeals taken under this section. 

Sec. 467a. Administrative detention; duration; pending judicial 

proceedings; notification of government authorities; release; removal of 

official marks 

Whenever any poultry product, or any product exempted from the definition of a 

poultry product, or any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased poultry is found by any 

authorized representative of the Secretary upon any premises where it is held for 

purposes of, or during or after distribution in, commerce or otherwise subject to 

this chapter, and there is reason to believe that any such article is adulterated or 

misbranded and is capable of use as human food, or that it has not been 

inspected, in violation of the provisions of this chapter or of any other Federal law 

or the laws of any State or Territory, or the District of Columbia, or that it has 

been or is intended to be, distributed in violation of any such provisions, it may be 

detained by such representative for a period not to exceed twenty days, pending 

action under section 467b of this title or notification of any Federal, State, or 

other governmental authorities having jurisdiction over such article or poultry, and 

shall not be moved by any person, from the place at which it is located when so 

detained, until released by such representative. All official marks may be required 

by such representative to be removed from such article or poultry before it is 

released unless it appears to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the article or 

poultry is eligible to retain such marks. 

Sec. 467b. Seizure and condemnation 

62 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

(a) Proceedings in rem; libel of information; jurisdiction; disposal 

by destruction or sale; proceeds into the Treasury; sales 

restrictions; bonds; court costs and fees, storage, and other 

expenses against claimants; jury trial; United States as plaintiff 

o (1) Any poultry product, or any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased 

poultry, that is being transported in commerce or otherwise subject 

to this chapter, or is held for sale in the United States after such 

transportation, and that (A) is or has been processed, sold, 

transported, or otherwise distributed or offered or received for 

distribution in violation of this chapter, or (B) is capable of use as 

human food and is adulterated or misbranded, or (C) in any other 

way is in violation of this chapter, shall be liable to be proceeded 

against and seized and condemned, at any time, on a libel of 

information in any United States district court or other proper court 

as provided in section 467c of this title within the jurisdiction of 

which the article or poultry is found. 

o (2) If the article or poultry is condemned it shall, after entry of the 

decree, (A) be distributed in accordance with paragraph (5), or (B) 

be disposed of by destruction or sale as the court may direct and 

the proceeds, if sold, less the court costs and fees, and storage and 

other proper expenses, shall be paid into the Treasury of the United 

States, but the article or poultry shall not be sold contrary to the 

provisions of this chapter, or the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is 

sold: Provided, That upon the execution and delivery of a good and 

sufficient bond conditioned that the article or poultry shall not be 

sold or otherwise disposed of contrary to the provisions of this 

chapter, or the laws of the jurisdiction in which disposal is made, 

the court may direct that such article or poultry be delivered to the 

owner thereof subject to such supervision by authorized 

representatives of the Secretary as is necessary to insure 

compliance with the applicable laws. 

o (3) When a decree of condemnation is entered against the article or 

poultry and it is released under bond, or destroyed, court costs and 

fees, and storage and other proper expenses shall be awarded 

against the person, if any, intervening as claimant of the article or 

poultry. 

o (4) The proceedings in such libel cases shall conform, as nearly as 

may be, to the proceedings in admiralty, except that either party 

may demand trial by jury of any issue of fact joined in any case, 

and all such proceedings shall be at the suit of and in the name of 

the United States. 

o (5) 

 (A) An article that is condemned under paragraph (1) may as 

the court may direct, after entry of the decree, be distributed 

without charge to nonprofit, private entities or to Federal, 

State, or local government entities engaged in the 

63 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

distribution of food without charge to individuals, if such 

article -

 (i) is capable of use as a human food; 

 (ii) has been inspected under this chapter and found 

to be wholesome and not to be adulterated within the 

meaning of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 

453(g) of this title and a 

determination is made at the time of the entry of the 

decree that such article is wholesome and not so 

adulterated; and (iii) is plainly marked ''Not for Sale'' 

on such article or its container. 

 (B) The United States may not be held legally responsible for 

any article that is distributed under subparagraph (A) to a 

nonprofit, private entity or to a Federal, State, or local 

government entity, if such article -

 (i) was found after inspection under this chapter to be 

wholesome and not adulterated within the meaning of 

paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 453(g) of this 

title and a determination was made at the time of the 

entry of the decree that such article was wholesome 

and not so adulterated; and 

 (ii) was plainly marked ''Not for Sale'' on such article 

or its container. 

 (C) The person from whom such article was seized and 

condemned may not be held legally responsible for such 

article, if such article -

 (i) was found after inspection under this chapter to be 

wholesome and not adulterated within the meaning of 

paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 453(g) of this 

title and a determination was made at the time of 

entry of the decree that such article was wholesome 

and not so adulterated; and 

 (ii) was plainly marked ''Not for Sale'' on such article 

or its container. 

(b) Condemnation or seizure under other provisions unaffected 

The provisions of this section shall in no way derogate from authority for 

condemnation or seizure conferred by other provisions of this chapter, or other 

laws. 

Sec. 467c. Federal court jurisdiction of enforcement and injunction 

proceedings and other kinds of cases; limitations; United States as 

plaintiff; subpoenas 

64 
Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

The United States district courts, the District Court of Guam, the District Court of 

the Virgin Islands, the highest court of American Samoa, and the United States 

courts of the other territories, are vested with jurisdiction specifically to enforce, 

and to prevent and restrain violations of, this chapter, and shall have jurisdiction 

in all other kinds of cases arising under this chapter, except as provided in 

section 457(d) or 467 of this title. All proceedings for the enforcement or to 

restrain violations of this chapter shall be by and in the name of the United 

States. Subpoenas for witnesses who are required to attend a court of the United 

States, in any district, may run into any other district in any such proceeding. 

Sec. 467d. Administration and enforcement; applicability of penalty 

provisions; conduct of inquiries; power and jurisdiction of courts 

For the efficient administration and enforcement of this chapter, the provision 

(including penalties) of sections 46, 48, 49 and 50 of title 15 (except paragraphs 

(b) through (h) of section 46 and the last paragraph of section 49 [1] of title 15), 

and the provisions of section 409(l) [1] (FOOTNOTE 1)of title 47, are made 

applicable to the jurisdiction, powers, and duties of the Secretary in administering 

and enforcing the provisions of this chapter and to any person with respect to 

whom such authority is exercised. The Secretary, in person or by such agents as 

he may designate, may prosecute any inquiry necessary to his duties under this 

chapter in any part of the United States, and the powers conferred by said 

sections 49 and 50 of title 15 on the district courts of the United States may be 

exercised for the purposes of this chapter by any court designated in section 

467c of this title. 

(FOOTNOTE 1) The last paragraph of section 49 of title 15, and the provisions of 

section 409(l) of title 47, referred to in text, which related to immunity of 

witnesses, were repealed by sections 211 and 242, respectively, of Pub. L. 91-

452, Oct. 15, 1970, title II, 84 Stat. 929, 930. For provisions relating to immunity 

of witnesses, see section 6001 et seq. of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal 

Procedure. 

Sec. 467e. Non-Federal jurisdiction of federally regulated matters; 

prohibition of additional or different requirements for establishments with 

inspection services and as to marking, labeling, packaging, and 

ingredients; recordkeeping and related requirements; concurrent 

jurisdiction over distribution for human food purposes of adulterated or 

misbranded and imported articles; other matters 

Requirements within the scope of this chapter with respect to premises, facilities 

and operations of any official establishment which are in addition to, or different 

than those made under this chapter may not be imposed by any State or 

Territory or the District of Columbia, except that any such jurisdiction may impose 

recordkeeping and other requirements within the scope of paragraph (b) of 

section 460 of this title, if consistent therewith, with respect to any such 

65 
 

 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

establishment. Marking, labeling, packaging, or ingredient requirements (or 

storage or handling requirements found by the Secretary to unduly interfere with 

the free flow of poultry products in commerce) in addition to, or different than, 

those made under this chapter may not be imposed by any State or Territory or 

the District of Columbia with respect to articles prepared at any official 

establishment in accordance with the requirements under this chapter, but any 

State or Territory or the District of Columbia may, consistent with the 

requirements under this chapter exercise concurrent jurisdiction with the 

Secretary over articles required to be inspected under this chapter for the 

purpose of preventing the distribution for human food purposes of any such 

articles which are adulterated or misbranded and are outside of such an 

establishment, or, in the case of imported articles which are not at such an 

establishment, after their entry into the United States. This chapter shall not 

preclude any State or Territory or the District of Columbia from making 

requirement or taking other action, consistent with this chapter, with respect to 

any other matters regulated under this chapter. 

Sec. 467f. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act applications 

(a) Exemptions; authorities under food, drug, and 

cosmetic provisions unaffected 

Poultry and poultry products shall be exempt from the provisions of the Federal 

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et. seq.) to the extent of the 

application or extension thereto of the provisions of this chapter, except that the 

provisions of this chapter shall not derogate from any authority conferred by the 

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prior to August 18, 1968. 

(b) Enforcement proceedings; detainer authority of 

representatives of Secretary of Health and Human Services 

The detainer authority conferred by section 467a of this title shall apply to any 

authorized representative of the Secretary of Health and Human Services for 

purposes of the enforcement of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 

U.S.C. 301 et seq.) with respect to any poultry carcass, or part or product 

thereof, that is outside any official establishment, and for such purposes the first 

reference to the Secretary in section 467a of this title shall be deemed to refer to 

the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. 

Sec. 468. Cost of inspection; overtime 

The cost of inspection rendered under the requirements of this chapter, shall be 

borne by the United States, except that the cost of overtime and holiday work 

performed in establishments subject to the provisions of this chapter at such 

rates as the Secretary may determine shall be borne by such establishments. 

Sums received by the Secretary in reimbursement for sums paid out by him for 

66 
 

 

 

 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

such premium pay work shall be available without fiscal year limitation to carry 

out the purposes of this section. 

Sec. 469. Authorization of appropriations 

There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 

the provisions of this chapter. 

Sec. 470. Reports to Congress 

The Secretary shall annually report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House 

of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of 

the Senate with respect to the slaughter of poultry subject to this chapter, and the 

preparation, storage, handling, and distribution of poultry parts, poultry products, 

and inspection of establishments operated in connection therewith, including the 

operations under and the effectiveness of this chapter. 

Sec. 471. Safe Meat and Poultry Inspection Panel 

(a) Review and evaluation 

The advisory panel known as the ''Safe Meat and Poultry Inspection Panel'' 

established by section 679a of this title shall review and evaluate, as the panel 

considers necessary, the adequacy, necessity, safety, cost-effectiveness, and 

scientific merit of -

(1) inspection procedures of, and work rules and worker relations 

involving Federal employees employed in, plants inspected under this 

chapter; 

(2) informal petitions or proposals for changes in inspection procedures, 

processes, and techniques of plants inspected under this chapter; 

(3) formal changes in poultry inspection regulations promulgated under 

this chapter, whether in notice, proposed, or final form; and (4) such other 

matters as may be referred to the panel by the Secretary regarding the 

quality or effectiveness of a safe and cost-effective poultry inspection 

system under this chapter. 

(b) Reports 

o (1) In general 

The Safe Meat and Poultry Inspection Panel shall submit to the 

Secretary a report on the results of each review and evaluation 

carried out under paragraph (1), including such recommendations 

as the panel considers appropriate. 

o (2) Reports on formal changes In the case of a report concerning a 

formal change in poultry inspection regulations, the report shall be 

67 
Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

made within the time limits prescribed for formal comments on such 

changes. 

Poultry Regulations 9CFR 381.76(a)(b)(1) – 381.93 

Subpart K--Post Mortem Inspection; Disposition of Carcasses and Parts 

Sec. 381.76 Post-mortem inspection, when required; extent; traditional, 

Streamlined Inspection System (SIS), New Line Speed (NELS) Inspection 

System and the New Turkey Inspection (NTI) System; rate of inspection. 

(a) A post-mortem inspection shall be made on a bird-by-bird basis on all 

poultry eviscerated in an official establishment. No viscera or any part thereof 

shall be removed from any poultry processed in any official establishment, except 

at the time of post-mortem inspection, unless their identity with the rest of the 

carcass is maintained in a manner satisfactory to the inspector until such 

inspection is made. Each carcass to be eviscerated shall be opened so as to 

expose the organs and the body cavity for proper examination by the inspector 

68 
Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

and shall be prepared immediately after inspection as ready-to-cook poultry. If a 

carcass is frozen, it shall be thoroughly thawed before being opened for 

examination by the inspector. Each carcass, or all parts comprising such 

carcass, shall be examined by the inspector, except for parts that are not needed 

for inspection purposes and are not intended for human food and are 

condemned. 

(b)(1) There are five systems of post-mortem inspection: Streamlined 

Inspection System (SIS) and the New Line Speed (NELS) Inspection System, 

both of which shall be used only for broilers and cornish game hens; the New 

Turkey Inspection (NTI) System, which shall be used only for turkeys; Traditional 

Inspection; and Ratite Inspection. 

Sec. 381.77 Carcasses held for further examination. 

Each carcass, including all parts thereof, in which there is any lesion of disease, 

or other condition which might render such carcass or any part thereof 

adulterated and with respect to which a final decision cannot be made on first 

examination by the inspector, shall be held for further examination. The identity 

of each such carcass, including all parts thereof, shall be maintained until a final 

examination has been completed. 

Sec. 381.78 Condemnation of carcasses and parts: separation of poultry 

suspected of containing biological residues. 

(a) At the time of any inspection under this subpart each carcass, or any part 

thereof, which is found to be adulterated shall be condemned, except that any 

such articles which may be made not adulterated by reprocessing, need not 

be so condemned if so reprocessed under the supervision of an inspector and 

thereafter found to be not adulterated. 

(b) When a lot of poultry suspected of containing biological residues is inspected 

in an official establishment, all carcasses and any parts of carcasses in such 

lot which are condemned shall be kept separate from all other condemned 

carcasses or parts. [37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 48 FR 22899, 

May 23, 1983; 48 FR 23807, May 27, 1983] 

Sec. 381.79 Passing of carcasses and parts. 

Each carcass and all organs and other parts of carcasses which are found to be 

not adulterated shall be passed for human food. [[Page 461]] 

Sec. 381.80 General; biological residues. 

(a) The carcasses or parts of carcasses of all poultry inspected at an official 

establishment and found at the time of postmortem inspection, or at any 

subsequent inspection, to be affected with any of the diseases or conditions 

named in other sections in this subpart, shall be disposed of in accordance 

with the section pertaining to the disease or condition. Owing to the fact that it 

is impracticable to formulate rules for each specific disease or conditions and 

to designate at just what stage a disease process results in an adulterated 

69 
Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

article, the decision as to the disposal of all carcasses, organs or other parts 

not specifically covered by the regulations, or by instructions of the 

Administrator issued pursuant thereto, shall be left to the inspector in charge, 

and if the inspector in charge is in doubt concerning the disposition to be 

made, specimens from such carcasses shall be forwarded to the Inspection 

Service laboratory for diagnosis. 

(b) All carcasses, organs, or other parts of carcasses of poultry shall be 

condemned if it is determined on the basis of a sound statistical sample that 

they are adulterated because of the presence of any biological residues. 

Sec. 381.81 Tuberculosis. 

Carcasses of poultry affected with tuberculosis shall be condemned. 

Sec. 381.82 Diseases of the leukosis complex. 

Carcasses of poultry affected with any one or more of the several forms of the 

avian leukosis complex shall be condemned. 

Sec. 381.83 Septicemia or toxemia. 

Carcasses of poultry showing evidence of any septicemic or toxemic disease, or 

showing evidence of an abnormal physiologic state, shall be condemned. 

Sec. 381.84 Airsacculitis. 

Carcasses of poultry with evidence of extensive involvement of the air sacs with 

airsacculitis or those showing airsacculitis along with systemic changes shall be 

condemned. Less affected carcasses may be passed for food after complete 

removal and condemnation of all affected tissues including the exudate. 

Sec. 381.85 Special diseases. 

Carcasses of poultry showing evidence of any disease which is characterized by 

the presence, in the meat or other edible parts of the carcass, or organisms or 

toxins dangerous to the consumer, shall be condemned. 

Sec. 381.86 Inflammatory processes. 

Any organ or other part of a carcass which is affected by an inflammatory 

process shall be condemned and, if there is evidence of general systemic 

disturbance, the whole carcass shall be condemned. 

Sec. 381.87 Tumors. 

Any organ or other part of a carcass which is affected by a tumor shall be 

condemned and when there is evidence of metastasis or that the general 

condition of the bird has been affected by the size, position, or nature of the 

tumor, the whole carcass shall be condemned. 

70 
Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

Sec. 381.88 Parasites. 

Organs or other parts of carcasses which are found to be infested with parasites, 

or which show lesions of such infestation shall be condemned and, if the whole 

carcass is affected, the whole carcass shall be condemned. 

Sec. 381.89 Bruises. 

Any part of a carcass which is badly bruised shall be condemned and, if the 

whole carcass is affected as a result of the bruise, the whole carcass shall be 

condemned. Parts of a carcass which show only slight reddening from a bruise 

may be passed for food. 

Sec. 381.90 Cadavers. 

Carcasses of poultry showing evidence of having died from causes other than 

slaughter shall be condemned. 

Sec. 381.91 Contamination. 

(a) Carcasses of poultry contaminated by volatile oils, paints, poisons, gases, 

scald vat water in the air sac system, or other substances which [[Page 462]] 

render the carcasses adulterated shall be condemned. Any organ or other 

part of a carcass which has been accidentally mutilated in the course of 

processing shall be condemned, and if the whole carcass is affected, the 

whole carcass shall be condemned. 

(b) 

(1) Any carcass of poultry accidentally contaminated during slaughter with 

digestive tract contents shall not be condemned if promptly reprocessed 

under the supervision of an inspector and thereafter found not to be 

adulterated. Contaminated surfaces that are cut shall be removed only by 

trimming. Contaminated inner surfaces that are not cut may be cleaned by 

trimming alone, or at an approved reprocessing station away from the 

main processing line, by any method that will remove the contamination, 

such as vacuuming, washing, and trimming, singly or in combination. All 

visible specks of contamination must be removed, and if the inner 

surfaces are reprocessed other than solely by trimming. The final rule 

amended 9 CFR 381.91 to permit poultry slaughter establishments except 

for ratite establishments to use approved OLR or OFLR antimicrobial 

intervention systems to clean carcasses accidentally contaminated with 

digestive tract contents. 

(2) An area will be designated as an approved reprocessing station only if the 

Administrator determines that reprocessing operations can be conducted 

in that area in accordance with all of the requirements of this part, and that 

the reprocessing methods to be utilized are capable of removing all visible 

specks of contamination on the inner surface of a carcass. Requests for 

such approval shall be submitted to the inspector in charge and shall 

describe the proposed area, proposed methods of reprocessing, and 

proposed equipment to be utilized. Whenever the Administrator finds that 

reprocessing operations cannot be conducted in such area in accordance 

with all of the requirements of this part or that the reprocessing methods 

71 
 

Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

utilized are not capable of removing all visible specks of contamination on 

the inner surface of a carcass, he may withdraw approval of such area, 

effective upon oral or written notification, whichever is earlier, to the 

operator of the establishment. In the event of oral notification, a written 

confirmation thereof shall be given to the operator as promptly as 

circumstances permit. The notification shall specify the reasons for such 

withdrawal and shall afford the operator of the establishment an 

opportunity to present his views. In any instance where there is a conflict 

as to the facts, a hearing shall be held to resolve such conflict. 

Sec. 381.92 Overscald. 

Carcasses of poultry which have been overscalded, resulting in a cooked 

appearance of the flesh, shall be condemned. 

Sec. 381.93 Decomposition. 

Carcasses of poultry deleteriously affected by postmortem changes shall be 

disposed of as follows: 

(a) Carcasses which have reached a state of putrefaction or stinking fermentation 

shall be condemned. 

(b) Any part of a carcass which is green struck shall be condemned and, if the 

carcass is so extensively affected that removal of affected parts is 

impracticable, the whole carcass shall be condemned. 

(c) Carcasses affected by types of postmortem change which are superficial in 

nature may be passed for human food after removal and condemnation of the 

affected parts. 

72 
Poultry Postmortem Inspection 

04-18-2017 

73