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Compliance Guideline for Training Establishment Carcass Sorters in the 

New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS)

Food Safety and Inspection Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

September 2014

Table of Contents

I. PURPOSE...............................................................................................3

II. BACKGROUND ......................................................................................3

III. GUIDANCE FOR SORTER TRAINING PROGRAMS............................4

A. Training Program Elements .................................................................4

B. Carcass Disposition and Sorting Procedures.......................................6

IV. NORMAL CARCASSES, PARTS, AND VISCERA ................................7

A. General Features.................................................................................7

B. Skin .....................................................................................................8

C. Air sacs ...............................................................................................9

D. Liver ....................................................................................................9

E. Heart..................................................................................................10

F. Spleen ...............................................................................................10

G. Joints, Tendons, and Bone Marrow...................................................10

V. GENERALIZED CONDITIONS REQUIRING WHOLE BIRD DISPOSAL

.................................................................................................................11

A. Septicemia/Toxemia ..........................................................................11

B. Cadaver.............................................................................................13

C. Dead on Arrival (DOA).......................................................................14

D. Leukosis ............................................................................................19

VI. LOCALIZED DISEASE OR OTHER CONDITIONS AFFECTING 

POULTRY CARCASSES..........................................................................21

A. Contamination ...................................................................................21

B. Keratoacanthoma and Other Tumors.................................................22

C. Airsacculitis .......................................................................................19

D. Inflammatory Process........................................................................21

E. Turkey Osteomyelitis Complex ..........................................................22
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F. Synovitis ............................................................................................30

G. Mutilation...........................................................................................32

H. Overscald ..........................................................................................33

I. Ascites ................................................................................................33

J. Breast Atrophy ...................................................................................34

K. Turkey Leg Edema ............................................................................34

L. Bruises...............................................................................................34

M. Parts Disposition ...............................................................................36

Appendix: ANATOMY OF POULTRY........................................................42
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I. PURPOSE

This compliance guideline would help poultry slaughter establishments train their 

employees to conduct the carcass and associated viscera sorting activities that are

required under the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS). 

II. BACKGROUND

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published a final rule

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/00ffa106-f373-437a-9cf3-

6417f289bfc2/2011-0012F.pdf?MOD=AJPERES; 

to establish a new inspection system called the NPIS. Under the NPIS establishment 

personnel are required to sort carcasses and remove unacceptable carcasses and parts 

before the birds are presented to the FSIS online carcass inspector. FSIS believes that 

training of establishment sorters is vitally important to ensure that they are able to 

properly perform their duties under the NPIS. Therefore, FSIS has developed guidance 

documents to assist establishments in the training of their carcass sorters. This 

guidance is based on the training that FSIS provides to its online inspection personnel, 

who are responsible for sorting carcasses under the existing inspection systems. The 

Agency is posting this guidance material on the FSIS Web site:

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/regulatory-compliance/complianceguides-index and announcing the availability of such materials through the FSIS 

Constituent Update. This Compliance Guideline articulates how establishments can 

meet FSIS expectations regarding sorting activities under the NPIS.

It is important to note that this Guidance represents FSIS’s current thinking on this topic 

and should be considered useable as of this issuance.

Request for Comments: 

FSIS is seeking comments on this guidance document. All interested persons may 

submit comments regarding any aspect of this document, including but not limited to: 

content, readability, applicability, and accessibility. FSIS will update these guidelines in 

response to any comments that it receives and as needed to reflect the most current 

information available to FSIS and stakeholders. The comment period will be 60 days.

Comments may be submitted by either of the following methods:

Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the ability to type short comments 

directly into the comment field on this Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. 

Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions at that site for 

submitting comments. 

Mail, including CD-ROMs, and hand- or courier-delivered items: Send to Docket Clerk, 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Patriots Plaza 3, 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mailstop 3782, Room 8-163A, Washington, DC 

20250-3700.
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Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the Agency 

name, FSIS, and document title: FSIS Compliance Guideline for Training Establishment 

Carcass Sorters in the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS). Comments received will 

be made available for public inspection and posted without change, including any 

personal information, to http://www.regulations.gov .

III. GUIDANCE FOR SORTER TRAINING PROGRAMS

A. Training Program Elements

This compliance guideline recommends training elements and post-mortem inspection 

standards that FSIS has found effective in training FSIS online inspectors to identify 

carcasses and parts exhibiting condemnable conditions that are unwholesome and unfit 

for human food. Poultry slaughter establishments can use the information in this 

guideline to train establishment employees that would conduct sorting activities under 

the NPIS.

As stated previously this compliance guideline is based on FSIS training materials for its 

online inspectors which are available at: 

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/inspection/workforce-training/regional-onsite-training;

These training materials can be a valuable resource for additional details and 

background, such as providing a module for familiarizing employees with the steps in 

the slaughter process. Training objectives, workshops and evaluation tests are also 

provided in the training.

Proper training is important to establishment sorters’ ability to make accurate decisions 

on how to address carcasses exhibiting condemnable conditions. Under the NPIS, if 

sorters do not make these decisions correctly, FSIS inspection personnel are required 

to take actions such as stopping the production line to remove contaminated carcasses, 

issuing non-compliance records, and directing the establishment to reduce the line 

speed to ensure that the establishment is able to maintain process control, and that the 

online carcass inspector is able to conduct a carcass by carcass inspection.

A single training method or program may not be applicable to all establishments. 

Individual establishments should design training programs consistent with the 

operational conditions in the establishment.

FSIS recommends that each establishment develop a standardized training program for 

its sorters to enable them to properly identify and dispose of carcasses and parts 

exhibiting condemnable conditions to ensure that carcasses and parts are not used as 

human food. FSIS recommends the following types of training as effective elements of 

a sorter training program: 

• Classroom or offline training is a lecture type presentation that provides

essential information for sorters to be able to: 

o recognize and name common parts of poultry carcasses and organs;
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o recognize and name common conditions affecting poultry carcasses and 

viscera; 

o differentiate among normal, localized, and generalized conditions affecting 

poultry carcasses and viscera; 

o determine the disposition of each carcass and viscera and take 

appropriate actions to ensure removal and disposal of unwholesome and 

unfit carcasses, parts, or viscera to ensure they can not be used as 

human food; and

o take appropriate recording actions.

NOTE: An exam or self-assessment for trainees may be helpful to measure and 

quantify understanding and comprehension of training.

• Wet lab is an offline training activity that provides trainees with practical 

application of what they have learned in classroom training. Features include:

o using real examples of carcasses and parts –both normal and abnormal;

o performing hands on practice prior to beginning normal duties online to 

identify carcass conditions and make dispositions;

o acting on carcass disposition made; and

o recording actions.

• On the job training is to practice what has been learned in lecture including: 

o performing sorting at production rates;

o identifying carcass, parts, and viscera dispositions; 

o receiving real time feedback from supervisors; and

o taking appropriate actions as determined necessary.

• Follow up sessions (called correlations) are to reinforce previous learning. 

Features include:

o conducting these sessions at a set regular frequency,

o discussing regularly standardized procedures to make decisions to identify 

and properly dispose of carcasses on a continuous basis at production 

rates; and

o describing reasons for making dispositions and appropriate actions.

• Continuous monitoring of individual employee performance to maintain skill 

level

If questions related to dispositions arise establishment management may contact the 

FSIS public health veterinarian (PHV) or send questions to askFSIS. 

( http://askfsis.custhelp.com/; )
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B. Carcass Disposition and Sorting Procedures

The purpose of carcass sorting is to separate carcasses, parts and viscera that are 

unwholesome and unfit for human food from those that are fit for human food. When 

carcasses and parts exhibiting condemnable conditions are identified, they would be 

properly disposed to ensure they are not used as human food.

Through observation and occasional touching of the carcass and viscera, sorters make 

decisions called dispositions of each carcass, part, or viscera. Dispositions are based 

on the stage of the disease and to what degree, if any, the bird is recovering from the 

disease at the time the bird is slaughtered. If a disease process or injury exists in the 

live bird, the disease will stop progressing at the time of slaughter, but the visible 

changes (lesions) in the bird caused by the illness or injury will remain. The more 

severely affected a bird is, the more likely the whole carcass is unwholesome.

Under the NPIS, the establishment sorter would make a decision about the 

wholesomeness and fitness of each carcass and viscera and properly dispose of 

unwholesome carcasses, parts and viscera to ensure they are not used as human food.

• If the carcass and viscera appear wholesome, they would be allowed to continue 

down the line to the FSIS carcass inspector located at the end of the line. 

• If the carcass is wholesome except for localized conditions that can be removed, 

those portions of the carcass exhibiting condemnable conditions would be

removed and disposed of properly. The rest of the carcass is wholesome and 

would proceed down line to the FSIS online carcass inspector. 

• Localized conditions means one or more conditions exist in the carcass or 

viscera, but each condition affects only one particular part and does not relate to 

the other parts of the carcass or viscera. The localized portions of carcasses, 

parts, and viscera are unwholesome and unfit and actions may be taken to trim, 

salvage or reprocess locally affected carcasses either on the line or off the line. 

The affected tissues that are unwholesome would be removed and disposed of 

properly as described above.

• Generalized conditions include conditions that have affected the carcass to the 

extent that much of the carcass is affected and cannot be trimmed or salvaged. 

Carcasses and viscera affected with generalized disease conditions are 

unwholesome and unfit for human food and should be disposed of properly. (In 

some cases, the viscera may be saved for human food.) 

• Generalized conditions also include those conditions that make the entire 

carcass and viscera unwholesome, and the carcass and viscera must be 

properly disposed to ensure that they are not used as human food.

• Finally, generalized conditions also include disease conditions that produce 

systemic change in birds. Those carcasses and viscera show certain obvious

changes (see section V. A. Septicemia and Toxemia) that affect the whole
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carcass. Carcasses showing systemic change may also exhibit a localized 

condition. In either case any carcasses showing systemic change would require 

proper disposal of the entire carcass and viscera to ensure they are not used as 

human food.

• If the carcasses exhibit conditions that are questionable and require further 

review, then the carcasses could be placed on a holding rack for further review 

by establishment supervisors or team leaders. 

This compliance guideline includes an appendix to be used as resources to assist 

establishments in the training of sorters. Appendix: Anatomy of Poultry is provided 

for establishment sorters to recognize common parts of the poultry carcass, skeleton,

and digestive tract.

Image Descriptions are provided in the text of this guide to describe the conditions of

carcasses and parts shown in each image. The descriptions are under each image and 

a list of the descriptions is also located at the end of this document.

FSIS has found that using standardized procedures and thought processes result in 

effective and accurate sorting on a continuous basis. A single sorting procedure or 

thought process may not be applicable to all establishments. 

FSIS recommends that sorters on a moving line use standardized procedures to enable 

them to make accurate dispositions on a continuous basis. 

IV. NORMAL CARCASSES, PARTS, AND VISCERA

A. General Features

Knowing how normal carcasses, parts, and viscera appear is necessary to accurately 

identify carcasses, parts, or viscera that are abnormal. Diseases and other 

abnormalities produce visible changes to poultry carcasses. Poultry carcasses that are 

normal can look different from each other because of their age, breed, diet and the 

slaughter practices of the establishment. Normal young chickens and turkeys will have 

healthy skin, firm muscles, and fat in the flaps, the gizzard and around the heart. There 

may be some slight color changes to the skin of the drumstick and thigh and sometimes 

in the fat inside their bodies. The best way to learn what is normal is to look at birds 

under the direction of establishment supervisors or lead team members.

Normal carcasses, parts, and viscera are not affected with disease or other conditions. 

If the carcass is wholesome and normal without any localized or generalized disease or 

other conditions, it would be allowed to continue down the line to the FSIS online

carcass inspector.

The following images show normal carcasses.
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10-1822

This is a well-nourished 

young chicken with ample 

body fat and no obvious 

blemishes. The body is 

plump. The general form of 

the wings and hips is round. 

The skin appears uniform in 

color, moist, and thick. The 

underlying muscle tissue is 

barely visible through the 

skin.

07-0877

This is a well-nourished 

young chicken with 

ample body fat and 

minimal blemishes. The 

body is plump. The 

general form of the wings 

and hips is round. The 

skin appears uniform in 

color, moist, and thick. 

The underlying muscle 

tissue is barely visible 

through the skin. The 

yellow color is due to 

yellow plant pigments in 

the feed.

10-1846

This is an adequately 

nourished young chicken with 

adequate body fat and 

minimal blemishes. The body 

is slender. The general form 

of the wings and sternum is 

angular. The skin appears 

uniform in color, moist, and 

thin. The underlying muscle 

tissue is visible through the 

skin.

10-1320

This is a well-nourished 

young turkey with ample 

body fat and minimal 

blemishes. The body is 

plump. The general form of 

10-1324

This is a well-nourished 

young turkey with ample 

body fat and minimal 

blemishes. The body is 

plump. The general form 

10-1318

This is an adequately 

nourished young turkey with 

adequate body fat and 

minimal blemishes. The body 

is slender. The general form 
9

the wings and hips is round. 

The skin appears uniform in 

color, moist, and thick. The 

underlying muscle tissue is 

barely visible through the 

skin.

of the wings and hips is 

round. The skin appears 

uniform in color, moist, 

and thick. The underlying 

muscle tissue is barely 

visible through the skin.

of the wings and sternum is 

angular. The skin appears 

uniform in color, moist, and 

thin. The underlying muscle 

tissue is visible through the 

skin.

B. Normal Skin

06-0316

The skin of this young 

chicken appears uniform in 

color, moist, and thick. 

Feather follicles appear 

uniform in size and 

arranged in rows with 

approximately equal space 

between follicles. The minor 

quality defects – feather 

remnant and scratches – do 

not make the skin unsafe or 

unfit for human food.

10-0403

The skin of this young 

chicken appears uniform in 

color, moist, and thick. 

Feather follicles appear 

uniform in size and 

arranged in rows with 

approximately equal space 

between follicles. The 

minor quality defects –

feather remnants and red 

blemishes – do not make 

the skin unsafe or unfit for 

human food.

10-1161

The skin of this young 

chicken appears uniform in 

color, moist, and thick. 

Feather follicles appear 

uniform in size and 

arranged in rows with 

approximately equal space 

between follicles. The 

minor quality defects – red 

blemishes – do not make 

the skin unsafe or unfit for 

human food.
10

10-1465

This is a well-nourished 

young chicken with ample 

body fat and no obvious 

blemishes. The skin 

appears uniform in color, 

moist, and thick. Feather 

follicles appear uniform in 

size and arranged in rows 

with approximately equal 

space between follicles.

10-1532

The skin of this young 

turkey appears uniform in 

color, moist, and thick. 

Feather follicles appear 

uniform in size and 

arranged in rows with 

approximately equal space 

between follicles. The 

minor quality defects –

surface blemishes – do not 

make the skin unsafe or 

unfit for human food.

10-1606

The skin of this young 

turkey appears uniform in 

color, moist, and thick. 

Feather follicles appear 

uniform in size and 

arranged in rows with 

approximately equal space 

between follicles. The 

minor quality defects –

retained cuticle and feather 

remnant – do not make the 

skin unsafe or unfit for 

human food.

C. Normal air sacs

10-2223

The normal thoracic and 

abdominal air sacs in this 

young turkey appear thin, 

pliable, and somewhat 

10-1044

The normal thoracic air sac 

in this young chicken 

appears thin, pliable, and 

somewhat transparent. 

10-1046

The normal thoracic air sac in 

this young chicken appears 

thin, pliable, and somewhat 

transparent.
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transparent. The minor quality defect –

lung – does not make the 

carcass unsafe or unfit for 

human food.

D. Normal Liver

10-1807

This normal liver in a young 

chicken appears reddishpurple with lights spots and 

blotches. The general outline 

is a smooth, unbroken curve. 

The texture of a normal liver 

is firm. The normal fat 

attached to the gizzard 

appears uniformly white and 

completely opaque.

06-0228

This normal liver in a 

young turkey appears 

brown with light spots 

and blotches. The 

general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken 

curve. The texture of a 

normal liver is firm.

09-0690

These normal livers from two 

young turkeys appear 

reddish-brown with lights 

spots and blotches. The 

general outline is a smooth, 

unbroken curve. The dry 

appearance of the liver on 

the left is a post mortem 

artifact. The texture of a 

normal liver is firm.

E. Normal Heart
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07-0159

This normal heart in a young 

chicken appears reddish-tan 

with uniformly white fat where 

the arteries and veins attach. 

The surface color appears 

uniform. The general outline 

is a smooth, unbroken curve 

except where the arteries and 

veins attach.

03-0732

This normal heart in a 

young turkey appears 

red with uniformly white 

fat where the arteries 

and veins attach. The 

surface exhibits spots 

and blotches. The 

general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken curve 

except where the 

arteries and veins 

attach.

09-0691

These two normal hearts 

from two young turkeys 

appear red with uniformly 

white fat where the arteries 

and veins attach. The surface 

exhibits spots and blotches. 

The general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken curve 

except where the arteries and 

veins attach.

F. Normal Spleen

07-0242

These normal spleens from 

young chickens are round to 

oval. Their color varies from 

red to tan. The surface color 

appears uniform or exhibits 

spots and blotches.

09-0693

These normal spleens from

young turkeys are round to 

oval. Their color varies from 

red to tan. The surface color 

appears uniform or exhibits 

spots and blotches.
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G. Normal Joints, Tendons, and Bone Marrow

10-1232

This normal joint surface and 

tendon in a young turkey are 

white. The surface is shiny.

10-0236

This normal joint surface 

and tendon in a young 

chicken are white. The 

surface is shiny.

09-0794

This normal bone marrow 

from a young turkey 

appears uniformly red with 

a fine texture.

V. GENERALIZED CONDITIONS REQUIRING WHOLE BIRD DISPOSAL

A. Septicemia/Toxemia

Septicemia/toxemia (Sep/Tox) is caused by disease-producing bacteria and their toxins

in the blood which produce systemic change in the bird. Systemic change affects the 

body as a whole, rather than localized portions of it. The systemic changes found in 

Sep/Tox are the result of the bird’s organ systems not working properly. Cells weaken

allowing blood to leak out of vessels (hemorrhage) into the viscera organs (liver, spleen, 

kidneys) and muscles of the bird. Other changes cause drying out (dehydration) of the 

skin and muscle wasting.

Sep/Tox carcasses are usually dark in color with dark reddish viscera, especially the 

gizzard and heart fat. Other fat may also have an abnormal color ranging from pale to 

brownish red. The kidneys, liver, and spleen may appear swollen. Inside the cavity of 

the carcass small amounts of fluid mixed with blood may be found. 

In both eviscerated (opened to remove the guts) and non-eviscerated carcasses, the 

skin and muscle will appear dark or blue and have a dried appearance (dehydrated). 

The carcasses may also show muscle breakdown or wasting which gives a shrunken 

appearance especially to the breast muscles. The keel bone may be seen sticking out 

from beneath the skin of the breast muscles. 

If a carcass shows systemic change (Sep/Tox), as described above, it is unwholesome 

and must be disposed of properly to ensure the carcass and its viscera are not used as 

human food. However, not every carcass affected with Sep/Tox will show all of these 

signs.
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If carcasses are affected with any other condition or disease and also shows signs of 

systemic change (Sep/tox), the carcass and its viscera must be disposed of properly to 

ensure they are not used as human food.

What to Look For:

• carcass appears dark red, pale, or blue in color; 

• severe drying out of the skin and muscle may be observed;

• liver, kidneys, and spleen are swollen and congested (filled up) with blood; 

• carcass has generalized muscle wasting.

Do not dispose of carcasses if:

• only dark skin or meat is observed, and the rest of the carcass is normal;

• the birds are only small birds and have good fat color and healthy looking skin 

and meat (flesh); and

• the carcass appears only slightly dehydrated (the skin looks a little dry).

10-1901

This young chicken 

evidences adequate body fat 

and normal skin. The 

uniformly dark muscle tissue 

is suggestive of an extreme 

loss of body fluids, which is 

consistent with a generalized 

disease condition.

04-0536

This young chicken 

evidences necrosis and 

hemorrhage in the liver 

and spleen. The liver 

appears reddish-brown. 

The general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken curve. 

The linear white areas 

are soft and suggestive 

of dead tissue. The dark 

red areas in the liver and 

dark purple spleen are

characteristic of 

hemorrhage. The 

parallel orientation of the 

white and dark red 

tissue in the liver is 

07-0564

This young chicken 

evidences hemorrhage in the 

heart. The general outline is 

a smooth, unbroken curve 

except where the arteries 

and veins attach. The dark 

red surface blotches are 

characteristic with 

hemorrhage, which is 

consistent with a generalized 

disease condition.
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suggestive of swelling 

caused by the liver 

pressing against the 

ribs. Necrosis and 

hemorrhage are 

consistent with a 

generalized disease 

condition.

10-2017

This young chicken 

evidences necrosis in the 

liver. The liver appears red. 

A significant portion of the 

liver is pink. Exudates are 

visible on the surface. The 

general outline is a smooth, 

unbroken curve. Necrosis 

with exudates is consistent 

with a generalized disease 

condition. The yellow color of 

the fat is due to yellow plant 

pigments in the feed.

09-0625

This young turkey 

evidences necrosis in 

the liver. The liver 

appears red. The 

general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken curve. 

The linear white areas 

are soft and suggestive 

of dead tissue. The 

parallel orientation of the 

white tissue is 

suggestive of swelling 

caused by the liver 

pressing against the 

ribs. Necrosis is 

consistent with a 

generalized disease 

condition.

09-0921

This young chicken 

evidences necrosis in the 

liver and hemorrhage in the 

spleen. The liver is soft with 

white blotches suggestive of 

dead tissue. The general 

outline is a smooth, 

unbroken curve. The dark 

purple and soft spleen is 

characteristic of hemorrhage. 

The heart appears normal. 

Necrosis and hemorrhage 

are consistent with a 

generalized disease 

condition.
16

07-0851

This young chicken 

evidences adequate body fat 

and normal skin. The 

enlarged joint at the end of 

the drumstick is suggestive 

of inflammation. The 

uniformly dark muscle tissue 

is suggestive of extreme loss 

of body fluids. Inflammation 

with loss of body fluids are 

compatible with wasting, 

which is a generalized 

disease condition.

10-1950

This young chicken 

evidences inadequate 

body fat and normal 

skin. The prominent keel 

bone and uniformly dark 

muscle tissue are 

compatible with wasting, 

which is consistent with 

a generalized disease 

condition.

10-1257

This young turkey evidences 

inadequate body fat and 

normal skin. The prominent 

thighbone and uniformly dark 

muscle tissue are compatible 

with wasting, which is 

consistent with a generalized 

disease condition.

10-1352

This young turkey evidences 

inadequate body fat and 

normal skin. The linear, red 

blemishes in the skin are 

veins filled with blood. The 

prominent thighbone and 

uniformly dark muscle tissue 

10-0866

The fat attached to the 

gizzard of this young 

turkey appears thin, 

pink, and transparent. 

This is compatible with 

wasting, which is a 

generalized disease 

10-0706

The heart of this young 

turkey appears wet, and offwhite. The fat, normally 

visible where the arteries and 

veins attach, is gone. The 

general outline is no longer a 

smooth, unbroken curve. 
17

are compatible with wasting, 

which is consistent with a 

generalized disease 

condition.

condition. This is compatible with 

wasting, which is a 

generalized disease 

condition.

B. Cadaver

A cadaver is a generalized condition that causes the carcass and viscera to be 

unwholesome and unfit for human food. Cadavers are any birds that did not bleed out 

properly due to a poor or missed cut of the neck veins before the bird entered the 

scalder. The heat of the scalder causes blood left in the carcass to expand into the skin 

blood vessels, giving the skin of the carcass and neck a cherry red to purple color. The 

blood also accumulates in the dependent (lower) regions, such as the necks, wings, and 

upper breast area. Some cadavers may appear red all over; others will appear red only 

in the lower regions of the carcass. The blood vessels in the viscera will appear 

enlarged and the liver may appear burgundy colored. The entire carcass and viscera of 

cadavers are unwholesome and must be disposed of properly to ensure that they are 

not used as human food.

What to Look For:

• cherry red to purple color of whole carcass or the lower regions of the carcass;

• sometimes, just the neck will appear cherry red or purple color;

• may be no cut on the neck, or may be only partially cut; and

• blood vessels in the viscera may appear engorged (filled up with blood).

NOTE: Free blood found in the body cavity and on the viscera (not inside the blood 

vessels) may be caused by improper stunning. Those carcasses are not cadavers. A 

thorough examination of the carcass may be necessary to make this determination.

05-0899

These are two adequately 

10-1568

This is an adequately 

03-0715

The skin over the neck on 
18

fleshed young chickens with 

ample body fat, normal skin, 

and minimal blemishes. The 

carcass on the right has 

normal skin color. The skin 

over the breast, thigh, and 

drumstick on the carcass on 

the left is dark red. The red 

skin discoloration of the 

otherwise normal carcass is 

consistent with a bird that 

was still breathing when it 

entered the scald tank.

fleshed young turkey 

with ample body fat and 

normal skin. The skin 

over the entire carcass 

is dark red. The red skin 

discoloration of the 

otherwise normal 

carcass is consistent 

with a bird that was still 

breathing when it 

entered the scald tank.

this young chicken is dark 

red. A visible cut across the 

cervical vessels is absent. 

The red skin discoloration 

and absence of a cervical cut 

are consistent with a cadaver 

- a bird that was still 

breathing when it entered the 

scald tank. Cadavers are 

unfit for human food.

C. Dead on Arrival (DOA)

DOAs are birds that have died by means other than slaughter and are not allowed to be 

brought into the establishment. However, if DOAs are mistakenly hung on the line, they 

are to be removed as quickly as possible from the slaughter or evisceration line. Dead 

on arrival carcasses will have red to purple color and will be cool or cold to the touch. 

Also, the bird may have a floppy neck. The carcasses may also feel stiff and may have 

a foul (bad smelling) odor. DOAs are unwholesome and to be disposed of properly to 

ensure they are not used as human food.

What to Look For:

• red to purple color;

• cool or cold to the touch;

• may have a floppy neck;

• feel stiff; or

• may smell bad.

06-0298

This is an adequately fleshed 
19

young chicken with ample 

body fat, normal skin, and 

minimal blemishes. The 

overall dark appearance 

evidences dehydration. The 

prominent dark red 

discoloration of one side of 

the carcass is suggestive of 

blood setting in the carcass. 

Depending on the ambient 

temperature and time since 

death, the carcass might be 

cool and/or stiff. The overall 

condition is consistent with a 

bird that was dead on arrival.

D. Leukosis

Leukosis is a tumor-causing (neoplastic) viral infection of young chickens. The 

tumors are seldom seen now because of the vaccination of all birds. The tumors are

often small, round, well-defined white to tan nodules in the liver, spleen, or kidney. In 

the liver or other organs the tumors may appear as white specks. When the skin is 

affected, the tumors appear in the feather follicle as bumps that are round, small, and 

whitish to light yellow in color. 

Leukosis can appear in just the viscera or just in the skin of the carcass; but any 

carcass affected with only one (or more) of the leukosis tumors in the skin or the 

viscera are unwholesome; both the carcass and its viscera must be disposed of 

properly to ensure they are not used as human food. 

What to Look For:

• One or more tumors in the visceral organs or the skin.

• Tumors appear white to tan, small, round, and well-defined. 

• Carcasses with one or more of these tumors are unwholesome, and the entire 

carcass and viscera must be disposed of properly as described above.
20

09-0910

This young chicken has 

round, white nodules, with 

smooth borders, throughout 

the liver and spleen. The 

heart appears normal. Such 

nodules are compatible with 

the avian leukosis complex, 

which is a generalized tumor 

condition requiring disposal 

of carcass and viscera.

09-0904

This young chicken has 

round, white nodules, 

with smooth borders, 

throughout the liver and 

spleen. The heart 

appears normal. Such 

nodules are compatible 

with the avian leukosis 

complex, which is a 

generalized tumor 

condition requiring 

disposal of carcass and 

viscera.

09-0834

This young chicken has 

round, white nodules, with 

smooth borders, throughout 

the liver and spleen. The 

heart appears normal. Such 

nodules are compatible with 

the avian leukosis complex, 

which is a generalized tumor 

condition requiring disposal 

of carcass and viscera .

07-0885

The skin of a young 

chicken with a round, 

white to tan nodule

greater than one 

millimeter in greatest 

dimension, with smooth 

borders, centered on a 

07-0194

The skin of a young chicken 

with a round, white to tan 

nodule greater than one 

millimeter in greatest 

dimension, with smooth 

borders, centered on a 

feather follicle. Such a 
21

feather follicle. Such a 

nodule is compatible 

with the avian leukosis 

complex, which is a 

generalized tumor 

condition requiring 

disposal of carcass and 

viscera.

nodule is compatible with the 

avian leukosis complex, 

which is a generalized tumor 

condition requiring disposal 

of carcass and viscera.

VI. LOCALIZED DISEASE OR OTHER CONDITIONS AFFECTING POULTRY 

CARCASSES

A. Contamination

During slaughter operations, visible fecal material from the digestive tract is the main 

way that disease-causing bacteria can be spread to the portions of the carcass that are 

edible (fit to be eaten by humans). Bacteria that can cause human illness are found in 

the digestive tract and on the skin of birds when the birds come to slaughter. To prevent 

fecal material from spreading to edible portions of the carcasses, special care must be 

taken during handling and sanitary dressing procedures. For these reasons FSIS 

inspectors enforce a zero tolerance standard for visible fecal material on carcasses

before the chiller. FSIS also requires that the establishment put into place effective 

sanitary dressing procedures throughout its slaughter process to prevent contamination 

of carcasses and parts.

Carcasses that are accidentally contaminated with fecal (or digestive tract) material

during slaughter can be reconditioned, if they are reprocessed in a sanitary manner to 

remove all visible contamination by either online or offline reprocessing procedures.

Note: Carcasses that are excessively contaminated are unwholesome and must be 

disposed of properly to ensure they are not used as human food. 

What to Look For:

• Feces identification

o Color is yellow to green, brown or white,

o semi-solid to a paste in consistency, and 

o may or may not have plant material.

• Ingesta identification

o Color varies with the diet,

o Solid or granular consistency and sometimes has digestive fluids and

o Identifiable plant material.
22

10-0174

Digestive tract content is 

present on the exposed 

muscle tissue of a young 

chicken. Digestive tract 

contents that require removal 

from carcass and viscera 

10-0192

Digestive tract content 

is present on the skin 

and exposed muscle 

tissue of a young 

chicken. Digestive tract 

contents that require 

removal from carcass 

and viscera 

10-0399

Feces is present on the skin of 

a young chicken. Color is green, 

has a semi-solid to paste 

consistency and does not have 

plant material. Feces requires

removal from carcass and 

viscera.
23

B. Keratoacanthoma and Other Tumors

Keratoacanthoma and other tumors is referring to tumors other than the leukosis tumors 

that were previously discussed. 

The most common tumor in young chickens is a keratoacanthoma, which is a tumor of 

the skin that looks like a miniature crater or ulcer. This tumor can range from one small 

tumor to many large tumors that overlap or join together (coalesce). If the carcass has 

so many of these tumors that they coalesce, then the entire carcass and its viscera are 

unwholesome and must be disposed of properly to ensure they are not used as human 

food. If there are only a few, smaller tumors, then the tumors can be trimmed and 

disposed of properly as described above. After the tumors are trimmed, the rest of the 

carcass can proceed down the line to the FSIS online inspector. 

What to Look For:

• Single tumors or several small tumors that are localized and can be trimmed;

• Many tumors that are intermediate to large in size and coalesce are 

unwholesome, and the carcass are unwholesome and must be disposed of 

properly as described above.

10-1080

This is an adequately fleshed 

young chicken. Several 

round, crater-shaped masses 

extend throughout the skin. 

Such masses are compatible 

with localized tumors and 

require trimming. 

09-0879

This is an adequately fleshed 

young chicken with

coalescing, multiple, round, 

crater-shaped masses 

extending throughout the 

skin. Coalescing tumors

reguire disposal of the entire 

carcass.

There are many other types of tumors that occur occasionally in young poultry. If one 

tumor is very large in size and disrupts normal body functions, for example, taking up 

too much space in the body then the entire carcass and viscera are unwholesome and 

must be disposed of properly to ensure they are not used as human food. If there is 
24

more than one tumor of the same kind, which indicates that the tumor has spread 

(metastasized) then the carcass and its viscera are unwholesome and must be

disposed of properly. Localized tumors can be trimmed (if just on the carcass) or all of 

viscera disposed of properly (if just on the viscera).

What to Look For:

• If one very large tumor or more than one tumor of the same type, then dispose of 

carcass and viscera properly to ensure they are not used as human food.

• If the tumor is not very large and has not spread then trim tumor if on the

carcass, or dispose of viscera only if located on the viscera.

05-1045

This is an adequately fleshed 

young chicken with a solitary 

mass extending out from the 

skin. Such a mass is 

compatible with a localized 

tumor and requires trimming. 

09-0579

This is an adequately 

fleshed young chicken. 

Multiple, round, white 

masses extend out of 

the skin. Such masses 

are compatible with 

localized tumors and 

require trimming. 

10-1100

This is a well-fleshed young 

chicken. Multiple, black 

masses are present in the 

skin. Such masses are 

compatible with localized 

tumors and require trimming. 

09-0275 03-0681 10-0151
25

This is an adequately fleshed 

young chicken. A round, 

white mass extends out of 

the kidney. Such a mass is 

compatible with a localized 

tumor and requires trimming.

This is an adequately 

nourished young chicken 

with a quality defect –

retained lung. A round, 

red mass compatible 

with a localized tumor 

extends out of the 

kidney and requires 

trimming. 

This is a well-fleshed young 

chicken. A single, firm mass 

is present under the skin of 

the thigh. Such a mass is 

compatible with a localized 

tumor and requires trimming.

09-0842

Multiple masses filled with 

blood are visible in the liver 

of this young chicken. A 

large ruptured mass is visible 

in the center of the liver. 

Such masses are compatible 

with localized tumors and 

require trimming. 

10-1039

This is a well-fleshed 

young chicken. A solitary 

mass is present in the 

skin. Such a mass is 

compatible with a 

localized tumor and 

requires trimming.

10-0923

Multiple black masses are 

visible in the liver and lung of 

this young chicken. Such 

masses are compatible with 

localized tumors and 

requires trimming. 

C. Airsacculitis

In addition to lungs, birds have balloon-like “air sacs” throughout the inside of their chest 

and belly (abdomen). (See Figure 2. In the Appendix.) The air sacs move the air in and 

out allowing the bird to breathe. When the carcasses are opened to pull out the viscera,

the air sacs are torn apart, so they do not appear as balloons when being sorted. There 

are 6 pairs of air sacs in chickens and 5 pairs in turkeys. Normal air sacs appear very 

clear with thin membranes or linings. Normal air sacs are not very noticeable.

Airsacculitis is an inflammation of the air sacs that occurs when the bird is fighting off a 

respiratory tract infection or disease. The signs of inflammation that can be observed 

are a red color, swelling, and increased production of fluid. In the early (acute) stages 

of the disease, the air sacs can have a slight, cloudy appearance with a small amount of 

watery fluid, and only the air sacs are affected. If the disease has been going on for 

awhile (chronic), then the air sacs may appear thickened and have large amounts of 
26

thick, white to cream-color fluid (exudate). The fluid may also have a cheesy- pus-like 

appearance. Other organs, such as the liver, lungs, and heart may also show these 

signs.

In carcasses affected with airsacculitis, all of the diseased tissues and fluids may be 

removed either by online or by offline salvage (vacuum or cut-up) procedures. The 

kidneys also must be removed and disposed of properly. If disease has spread from the 

air sacs to the bones of the shoulder joint, all affected tissues must be removed and 

disposed. After removal of affected tissues online or offline, the carcasses can go down 

the line to the FSIS online carcass inspector. 

Carcasses with airsacculitis and signs of systemic change (Sep/Tox) are to be disposed

of properly to ensure they are not used as human food. Additionally, carcasses that are 

extensively affected with air sac such that the inner surfaces of the carcass cannot be 

observed or the carcass cannot be salvaged are to be disposed of properly as 

described above.

What to Look For:

• If a carcass has early stages of airsacculitis with slightly cloudy air sacs and a 

small amount of fluid, then the affected tissues and kidneys should be removed.

• If a carcass has thickened air sacs: large amounts of white to cream-colored 

fluid; or dry, yellow, cheesy pus, and the visceral organs are affected, then the 

affected tissues, viscera, and kidneys should be removed.

• If airsacculitis has spread from the air sacs to the bones in the shoulder joint, 

then the affected tissues must be removed and disposed of properly.

• If carcasses have airsacculitis and signs of systemic change (Sep/Tox) then the

entire carcass and viscera are unwholesome and must be removed for proper

disposal.

• If carcasses are extensively affected with airsacculitis such that the inside of the 

carcass cannot be observed, or the carcass cannot be salvaged, then the entire 

carcass and viscera must be disposed of properly as described above.

,

10-1052 10-1051 10-1054
27

The thoracic air sac of this 

young chicken contains 

exudates, which evidence 

inflammation of the air sac 

and adjacent tissue. Inflamed 

tissue is unfit for human 

food.

The abdominal air sac of 

this young chicken 

contains exudates, 

which evidence 

inflammation of the air 

sac and adjacent tissue. 

Inflamed tissue is unfit 

for human food.

The abdominal air sac and 

sac around the heart of this 

young chicken contain 

exudates, which evidence 

inflammation. The general 

outline of the liver is not a 

smooth, unbroken curve, 

which is suggestive of 

fibrosis. Inflamed tissue is 

unfit for human food.

10-2218

The abdominal air sac of this 

young turkey contains 

exudates, which evidence 

inflammation of the air sac 

and adjacent tissue. Inflamed 

tissue is unfit for human 

food.

10-1424

The abdominal air sac of 

this young turkey 

contains exudates, 

which evidence 

inflammation of the air 

sac and adjacent tissue. 

Inflamed tissue is unfit 

for human food.

10-1074

The abdominal air sac of this 

young chicken contains 

exudates, which evidence 

inflammation of the air sac 

and adjacent tissue. Inflamed 

tissue is unfit for human 

food.

D. Inflammatory Process

Inflammatory Process (IP) is a term to describe inflammation in or under the skin 

caused by bacteria. Most often the bacteria enter through breaks in the skin caused by 

birds pecking one another. Usually IP appears as yellow, scabbed areas between the 

skin and the underlying tissues. IP may also appear as a yellow cheesy material or 

dried brownish flakes under the skin. In severe cases the skin will have a burnt waffle 

appearance. IP can occur anywhere on the bird but is most often seen around the vent, 

abdominal fat flaps, or side of the bird. These localized areas of infection generally can 

be trimmed to remove affected tissues. IP can also spread under the skin to breast 

muscles, and for this reason, these carcasses should be thoroughly examined to ensure 

that all affected portions are removed. If most of the carcass is affected by IP, then the 

entire carcass and viscera are unwholesome and must be disposed of properly to 

ensure they are not used as human food.
28

If the carcass affected with IP also has signs of systemic change (Sep/Tox), then the 

entire carcass and viscera are unwholesome and must be disposed of properly as 

described above.

What to Look For:

• Localized IP: look for areas of yellow, cheesy material found in the vent area, 

side of the carcass, or abdominal flaps. These areas must be trimmed to remove 

the unwholesome tissues.

• Generalized IP: if the areas of yellow, cheesy material has travelled down to the 

breast, and most of the carcass is affected or the carcass shows signs of 

systemic change, then the entire carcass and viscera must be disposed of 

properly as described above.

06-0305

This is a well-nourished 

young chicken with ample 

body fat and no obvious 

blemishes. A well-defined 

area across the back is dark 

yellow to brown. Such a 

discoloration is compatible 

with inflammation. Tissue 

affected by inflammation is 

unfit for human food.

06-0338

This is a well-nourished 

young chicken with 

ample body fat and no 

obvious blemishes. A 

well-defined area on the 

vent flap is dark yellow 

to brown. Such a 

discoloration is 

compatible with 

inflammation. Tissue 

affected by inflammation 

is unfit for human food.

03-0679

The connective tissue below 

the skin of this young 

chicken contains localized 

exudates. The skin appears 

normal. Exudates evidence 

inflammation and inflamed 

tissue is unfit for human 

food.
29

10-1544

This is an adequately fleshed 

young turkey with quality 

defects – surface blemishes. 

Feather follicles appear 

uniform in size and arranged 

in rows with approximately 

equal space between 

follicles. The scabs and open 

sores with red margins are 

consistent with inflammation

10-1502

The skin of this young 

turkey over the 

drumstick appears thick, 

wet, and yellow. The 

appearance of the skin 

is consistent with 

exudates and 

inflammation.

10-1490

This is a well-nourished 

young turkey with ample 

body fat and no obvious 

blemishes. The majority of 

the skin appears uniform in 

color, moist, and thick. 

Feather follicles appear 

uniform in size and arranged 

in rows with approximately 

equal space between 

follicles. The thick, wet, 

yellow appearance of the 

skin over the breast is 

consistent with exudates and 

inflammation.

E. Turkey Osteomyelitis Complex

Turkey Osteomyelitis Complex (TOC) affects the cartilage of bones and surrounding 

tissues and joints. The cause is unknown. Any bone may have TOC, but most often the 

knee, shoulder or hip joints are affected. The swollen joints and soft tissues may be 

affected mildly or more severely. A green fringed liver may indicate TOC or some other 

condition. Additionally, carcasses affected with TOC may not have a green liver. For 

each flock, special examinations are conducted by cutting into the joints to determine 

whether the flock is affected with TOC. If the flock is affected with TOC, then sorters 

should identify the carcasses and viscera with swollen joints or green livers for the 

establishment to perform additional procedures to remove the unwholesome tissue. All 

affected tissues must be removed from TOC carcasses. If it is not possible to do so, or if 

the carcass is showing signs of systemic change (Sep/Tox), the entire carcass and 

associated viscera are to be disposed of properly to ensure they are not used as human 

food. 
30

What to Look For: 

• Green fringed livers or swollen joints, especially the knee, hip, or shoulder, may 

indicate TOC, but it also may indicate other conditions. Carcasses are to be 

identified for further examination. 

• Enlarged livers, soft livers with smooth surfaces, or green streaked livers may all 

be signs of TOC.

• Carcasses with green livers or swollen joints and with signs of systemic change 

are unwholesome and the carcasses and viscera must be disposed of properly.

03-0739

The bone marrow cavity of 

this young turkey appears 

white with an open area of 

tan fluid. This appearance is 

suggestive of necrosis and 

exudates, which is consistent 

with inflammation.

10-2234

This fibrotic liver in a 

young turkey contains 

excess bile. The liver 

appears purple with 

white spots and 

blotches. The general 

outline is not a smooth, 

unbroken curve. The 

texture of a fibrotic liver 

is firm. The fibrosis and 

excess bile does make 

the liver unfit for human 

food.

10-2256

This fibrotic liver in a young 

turkey contains excess bile. 

The liver appears purple with 

white spots and blotches. 

The general outline is not a 

smooth, unbroken curve. The 

texture of a fibrotic liver is 

firm. The fibrosis and excess 

bile does make the liver unfit 

for human food. The fat 

attached to the gizzard 

appears thin, pink, and 

transparent, which is 

suggestive of a wasting 

condition.

F. Synovitis

Synovitis is inflammation of the tissues around a joint. The hock joint is most often 

affected. Synovitis is caused by either physical injury or infection. The joints appear 

swollen and may have a red or yellow appearance and contain extra visible fluid. The 

fluid can range from a clear watery fluid to a severe pus-like fluid that is yellowish in 
31

color and creamy or flaky. The tendons may also be swollen. The affected legs are 

unwholesome and must be removed from the carcass and disposed of properly. A 

carcass with synovitis is wholesome unless it also shows systemic changes. If there is 

no systemic change, then all affected synovial tissues should be removed.

03-0893

The soft tissue around the 

joint in this young chicken is 

swollen. The skin appears 

wet and yellow. This 

appearance is suggestive of 

inflammation in the tendons 

and skin.

09-0811

The drumstick from this 

young turkey has a 

prominent swelling 

under the skin. Such 

swelling is consistent 

with the presence of 

exudates in the 

underlying tendons. 

Inflamed tissue is unfit 

for human food.

10-1203

A prominent greenish 

swelling is visible next to the 

kidney in this young chicken. 

The swelling and 

discoloration are consistent 

with the presence of 

exudates in the hip joint. 

Inflamed tissue is unfit for 

human food.

10-1342

The upper drumstick 

from this young turkey is 

normal. The lower 

drumstick has a 

10-1383

This is an adequately 

nourished young turkey with 

minimal quality defects –

retained cuticle and surface 
32

prominent swelling of the 

joint and the skin is thick 

and yellow. Such 

swelling and 

discoloration is 

consistent with the 

presence of exudates in 

the underlying tendons 

and skin. Inflamed tissue 

is unfit for human food.

blemishes. A prominent 

swelling is visible over the 

thighbone. Such swelling is 

consistent with the presence 

of exudates in the underlying 

tendons. Inflamed tissue is 

unfit for human food.

G. Mutilation

Mutilated means the carcass is torn apart shredded or damaged by the slaughter 

processing equipment. Any part or organ that is mutilated and can be trimmed from the 

carcass is unwholesome and must be disposed of properly to ensure that it is not used

as human food. If the entire carcass is affected, then the carcass is unwholesome and 

would be disposed of properly as described above. The viscera is wholesome and could

be saved for edible product.

What to Look For:

• If the entire carcass is affected, then it is unwholesome and must be disposed

properly as described above; but the viscera is wholesome.

• If part of the carcass is affected, then the affected tissues are unwholesome and 

must be trimmed and disposed of properly as described above. 

10-0127

The skin and muscle tissue 

on this young turkey is 

mutilated. Mutilated tissue is 

contaminated and unfit for 

10-1254

The muscle tissue on this 

young turkey is mutilated. 

Mutilated tissue is 

contaminated and unfit for 
33

human food. human food.

H. Overscald

Often overscald carcasses are found after the picking line breaks down, and the 

carcasses are held in the scalding tank too long. When both the top breast muscle and 

deep breast muscle have a cooked, white, dry texture, the carcasses are unwholesome 

and unfit for human food and should be disposed of properly along with its associated 

viscera to ensure they are not used as human food. 

Sometimes only the top layer of breast muscle appears white. This hard scald will likely 

show whitening only of the top layer of breast muscle. The hard scalded carcasses 

should not be disposed for overscald but should be trimmed to remove any affected 

tissue, and the viscera if it appears to be cooked. 

What to Look For:

• If both top and deep breast muscles are white and appear cooked: then dispose

properly as described above of the entire carcass and viscera.

• If only the top layer of breast muscle is whitened: it may be trimmed.

I. Ascites

Ascites is an abnormal condition that is caused by the heart being overworked. As a

result a clear to amber colored fluid collects inside the bird’s body cavity (chest and 

abdomen). The fluid may also be found in the sac around the heart and the liver may 

appear swollen. It occurs in young chickens because of growing very fast. 

The fluid in the body of the carcass should be removed if the inside of the cavity cannot 

be viewed. If the carcass shows only signs of ascites, then the viscera is unwholesome 

and must be disposed of properly. The carcass can go down the line to the FSIS online 

inspector.

If the carcass shows signs of ascites and systemic change (Sep/Tox) or any other 

disease condition, the entire carcass and viscera are unwholesome and must be

disposed of properly to ensure the carcass and viscera are not used as human food.
34

10-1862

A clear, watery fluid is visible 

in the body cavity of young 

chicken. Such fluid retention 

is compatible with ascites.

03-0869

Normal kidneys in a 

young chicken with 

blood tinged gelatinous 

fluid in the body cavity. 

Such fluid is compatible 

with ascites.

10-0977

A clear, watery fluid is visible 

inside the capsule 

surrounding the heart of 

young chicken. Such fluid 

retention is compatible with 

ascites.

J. Breast Atrophy

This condition has several names, including green atrophy, green breast, and green 

muscle degeneration. Atrophy means “wasting away or to decrease in size." The deep 

breast muscle on either one or both sides of the keel bone is affected. The condition is 

found mostly in broad breasted hen turkeys older than five months. The breast (on one 

or both sides) will appear wasted away as if it has shrunken away from the keel bone. 

The change in the muscle could look like a small depression or dip, or it could look very 

extreme or obvious. The deep muscle will be greenish in color, and it will feel hard with 

a wood-like texture. The breast muscle is unwholesome and must be removed and 

disposed of properly. 

K. Turkey Leg Edema

Turkey Leg Edema occurs mostly in heavy hen turkeys (older than 25 weeks) from 

August to October. The thigh may appear very white. The thigh will feel slick on the 

outside, and gas bubbles may be felt under the skin. Turkey leg edema is an 

inflammation of the leg. The affected leg is unwholesome and is to be disposed of 

properly. If there are signs of systemic change in the carcass, then the carcass and 

viscera are unwholesome and must be disposed of properly to ensure they are not used

as human food.

L. Bruises

A bruise comes from physical trauma or damage to blood vessels and the leakage of 

blood into the surrounding tissue. The color of a bruise varies from red to green to 
35

black depending on the age of the bruise. Bruises that affect most or all of the whole 

carcass or carcasses showing signs of systemic change are unwholesome and must be 

disposed of properly. If bruises are localized, they may be removed by trimming.

NOTE: If sorters find increased numbers or clusters of severely bruised carcasses at 

the sorting station, this finding may be an indication that there has been a breakdown in 

the establishment’s good commercial practices. Appropriate establishment personnel 

should be notified of the findings.

10-0210

This is a well-nourished 

young chicken with ample 

body fat and minimal 

blemishes. A well-defined 

area across the breast and 

wing is dark red. Such a 

discoloration is compatible 

with a bruise. Tissue affected 

by a bruise is unfit for human 

food.

07-0263

This is a well-nourished 

young chicken with 

ample body fat and 

minimal blemishes. A 

well-defined area across 

the breast is dark red. 

Such a discoloration is 

compatible with a 

bruise. Tissue affected 

by a bruise is unfit for 

human food.

10-1625

The skin of the hip in this 

young turkey is dark red. 

Such a discoloration is 

compatible with a bruise. 

Tissue affected by a bruise is 

unfit for human food.
36

09-0661

The skin of this young 

chicken is normal with quality 

defects – retained feathers. A 

well-defined area across the 

back of the wing is dark red. 

Such a discoloration is 

compatible with a bruise. 

Tissue affected by a bruise is 

unfit for human food.

10-0440

The skin of the 

drumstick in this young 

chicken is dark red. 

Such a discoloration is 

compatible with a 

bruise. Tissue affected 

by a bruise is unfit for 

human food.

10-0443

The skin of the drumstick in 

this young chicken is dark 

red to green. Such a 

discoloration is compatible 

with a bruise. Tissue affected 

by a bruise is unfit for human 

food.

M. Parts Disposition

Generally, when carcasses are affected with localized disease or other conditions, the 

affected carcass, part or viscera is unwholesome and must be disposed of properly to 

ensure that they are not used as human food. If the unwholesome portions or parts can 

be effectively removed, the remainder of the carcass is wholesome. The following are 

some examples of some organs or parts that are unwholesome and must be removed

and disposed of properly, but the rest of carcass is wholesome.

Dispose properly to ensure the livers with the following unwholesome conditions are not 

to be used as human food:

• Fatty degeneration: Have visible, well defined light spots. (Livers with a uniform 

yellowish color throughout the liver are the result of diet and are wholesome.)

• Scar tissue due to disease (cirrhosis)

• Extensive small hemorrhages

• Inflammation (redness, swelling)

• Abscess

• Contamination from bile

• Green or other discoloration

• Granuloma

• One Leukosis tumor (also dispose of carcass and all viscera)

• One non-leukosis tumor

• Areas of necrosis (cells are dead because of death or injury)
37

03-0673

This normal liver in a young 

chicken contains excess fat. 

The liver appears tan with 

spots and blotches. The 

general outline is a smooth, 

unbroken curve. The texture 

of a fatty liver is soft. The 

excess fat does not make the 

liver unsafe or unfit for 

human food.

07-0296

This normal liver in a 

young chicken contains 

excess fat. The liver 

appears tan with spots 

and blotches. The 

general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken curve. 

The texture of a fatty 

liver is soft. The excess 

fat does not make the 

liver unsafe or unfit for 

human food.

10-0885

This normal liver in a young 

chicken contains excess fat. 

The liver appears tan with 

spots and blotches. The 

general outline is a smooth, 

unbroken curve. The texture 

of a fatty liver is soft. The 

excess fat does not make the 

liver unsafe or unfit for 

human food.

10-0929

This inflamed liver in a young 

chicken is fibrotic. The liver 

appears reddish-brown with 

spots and blotches. The 

general outline is not a 

smooth, unbroken curve. The 

texture of an inflamed, 

fibrotic liver is firm to hard. 

10-0884

This inflamed liver in a 

young chicken is fibrotic 

and enlarged. The liver 

appears uniformly tan. 

The general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken curve. 

The texture of an 

enlarged, inflamed, 

10-0821

This inflamed liver in a young 

turkey is fibrotic and 

enlarged. The liver appears 

uniformly tan. The general 

outline is a smooth, 

unbroken curve. The texture 

of an enlarged, inflamed, 

fibrotic liver is hard. The 
38

The fibrosis makes the liver 

unfit for human food.

fibrotic liver is hard. The 

fibrosis makes the liver 

unfit for human food.

fibrosis makes the liver unfit 

for human food.

03-0667

This inflamed liver in a young 

chicken contains small 

granuloma throughout. The 

liver appears tan with spots 

and blotches. The general 

outline is a smooth, 

unbroken curve. The texture 

of an inflamed liver is soft to 

firm. The granuloma make 

the liver unfit for human food.

10-0907

This inflamed liver in a 

young chicken contains 

small granuloma 

throughout. The liver 

appears purple with 

spots and blotches. The 

general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken curve. 

The texture of an 

inflamed liver is soft to 

firm. The granuloma 

make the liver unfit for 

human food. The slight 

green tinge is suggestive 

of bile retention.

10-0835

This inflamed liver in a young 

turkey contains large 

granuloma throughout. The 

liver appears purple with 

spots and blotches. The 

general outline is not a 

smooth, unbroken curve. The 

texture of an inflamed liver is 

soft to firm. The granuloma 

make the liver unfit for 

human food. The slight green 

tinge is suggestive of bile 

retention.

10-0779
39

This normal liver in a young 

turkey contains excess bile. 

The liver appears purple with 

green spots and blotches. 

The general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken curve. The 

texture of a normal liver is 

firm. The excess bile does 

make the liver unfit for human 

food.

Kidneys are unwholesome and unfit and must be removed when:

• from carcasses affected with airsacculitis in the abdominal area;

• the liver is unwholesome because of disease;

• the viscera is unwholesome; or

• the kidneys are swollen. 

09-0491

The kidneys in this young 

chicken are uniformly 

enlarged and pale in color. 

The uniform enlargement and 

color change are compatible 

with a growth disturbance and 

significant fibrosis. Tissue 

affected by disturbances of 

growth and significant fibrosis 

are unfit for human food.

Salpingitis: the oviduct tubes are swollen and filled with firm cheesy fluid (normally the 

tubes are not seen, but when infected they are visible). All affected tissues are 
40

unwholesome and must be removed and disposed of properly. If the carcass shows 

signs of systemic change (Sep/Tox) then the carcass and viscera is unwholesome and 

must be disposed of properly. 

06-0257

The oviduct of this young 

chicken contains white 

exudates. The oviduct is 

inflamed and unfit for human 

food.

09-0935

The oviduct of this 

young chicken contains 

white exudates. The 

oviduct is inflamed and 

unfit for human food.

10-0694

The oviduct of this young 

turkey contains white 

exudates. The oviduct is 

inflamed and unfit for human 

food.

Pericarditis: the sac around the heart is swollen, cloudy, or filled with fluid. All affected 

tissues are unwholesome and must be removed and disposed of properly. If the carcass 

shows signs of systemic change (Sep/Tox) then the carcass and viscera is 

unwholesome and must be disposed of properly.

10-0988

This inflamed heart in a 

young chicken evidences the 

presence of exudates in the 

sac around the heart and on 

10-0992

This inflamed heart in a 

young chicken 

evidences the presence 

of exudates on the 

10-0987

This inflamed heart in a 

young chicken evidences the 

presence of exudates in the 

sac around the heart and on 
41

the surface of the heart. The 

presence of exudates makes 

the heart unfit for human 

food.

surface of the heart. The 

presence of exudates 

makes the heart unfit for 

human food.

the surface of the heart. The 

presence of exudates makes 

the heart unfit for human 

food.
42

Appendix: ANATOMY OF POULTRY

Anatomy refers to the parts of a poultry bird or carcass.

Outside (External) Anatomy

Figure 1. Outside Anatomy shows the parts of a chicken carcass after the feathers are 

removed and before the carcass is opened to remove the viscera (guts).

The comb and wattles are on the head of poultry and are largely for looks. They vary in 

size and color based on type and breed, and whether they are females or males.

Snoods and whiskers (beards) are external structures only found in turkeys. 
43

Feathers cover almost the entire surface of the bird. They grow from follicles, which 

are organized into groups or zones and are called feather tracts (see shaded areas of 

Figure 1.

The skin of chickens is thinner and more delicate than that of animals. In addition, the 

color of the skin depends on the type or breed of poultry, age, and diet. The skin may 

also be affected by the scalders used to loosen feathers.

The neck attaches the head to the body. The wings are the “arms” of the bird. The 

thigh is the upper leg and the drumstick is the lower leg. Meat from both of them is 

commonly called “dark meat.” The breast (“white meat”) is located in the front of the 

bird and contains large muscles. The hock joint is between the lower leg and the paw.

The paws are the feet of the bird. The preen or oil gland is an important gland and is 

located near the tip of the tail. When poultry are preening, they take oil from this gland 

and apply it to their feathers.

Inside (Internal) Anatomy

The trachea or windpipe is the structure that carries air into the bird. Air passes 

through the trachea and into the air sacs. These structures are very thin, colorless 

membranes that when filled with air look like tiny balloons inside the body. The air sacs 

come in pairs, and the number of pairs is 5 in chickens and 4 in turkeys. The air sacs 

are round sacs that also have tiny finger like projections that go into certain bones and 

are shown in Figure 2. Air Sacs.
44

The digestive tract of the bird are shown in Figure 3. Digestive Tract of Fowl. 

The digestive tract of the chicken begins with the mouth or beak, which does not 

contain lips or teeth. The mouth is connected to the esophagus, also called the goozle 

or gullet, which connects with the Crop (or craw) where feed is stored. After the crop 

is the stomach of birds. This stomach is called the true stomach (or proventriculus) and 

digests proteins. Next is the gizzard or the ventriculus. Its function is to grind the food. 

Often in healthy birds, there are large amounts of fat around the gizzard. The small and 

then large intestines come next and end at the cloaca. The cloaca opens to outside of 

the bird in an area called the vent. There is also a small sac on the side of the cloaca
45

called the rosebud. The rosebud is seen when the equipment cutting around the vent 

accidentally cuts into it.

Birds that are healthy and well nourished usually have large amounts of fat throughout 

their tissues. The areas storing the fat are the abdominal or belly area, the vent flaps,

and the gizzard and the heart.

The normal liver has two lobes and each lobe is drained by a bile duct. One duct is 

larger and makes the gall bladder. The color of the liver depends on the fat content or 

bile content. 

Poultry do not contain a urinary bladder, but they do have two kidneys, one on each 

side and are set into the back bone of the bird. Ureters carry urinary waste from the 

kidneys to the cloaca where it leaves the bird.

Bones:

The bones of chickens are shown in Figure 4. Skeleton of domestic fowl.
46

The vertebral column (spine) is made up of many small bones and is divided into 

several parts: the neck, chest, lower back or pelvic and the tail. The neck has a bone 

called a wishbone or pulley bone. The bone has two branches and an air sac lies 

between the two branches.

The shoulder blade is a bone that lies on top of each side of the rib cage. The 

shoulder blade with a bone from the wings and the coracoid bone makes up the 

shoulder joint.

There are several bones in the wing. The bones at the very end of the wing are called 

the wing tip, and it is often broken during the slaughter process.

The knee joint is made of the thigh bone and the drumstick. The upper leg of the 

chicken is the thigh bone just as in animals. The drumstick is the lower leg, again just 

as in animals. The next bone down from the drumstick is the shank bone. The hock 

joint is formed from the drumstick and the shank. The hock joint is normally opened up 

for sorting. The shank joins the paws (or toes). 

The keel or breast bone is a single large bone on the bottom surface of the bird.
47

Image Descriptions

03-0667: This inflamed liver in a young chicken contains small granuloma throughout. The liver 

appears tan with spots and blotches. The general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The 

texture of an inflamed liver is soft to firm. The granuloma make the liver unfit for human food.

03-0673: This normal liver in a young chicken contains excess fat. The liver appears tan with 

spots and blotches. The general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The texture of a fatty liver 

is soft. The excess fat does not make the liver unsafe or unfit for human food.

03-0679: The connective tissue below the skin of this young chicken contains localized 

exudates. The skin appears normal. Exudates evidence inflammation and inflamed tissue is 

unfit for human food.

03-0681: This is an adequately nourished young chicken with a quality defect – retained lung. A 

round, red mass compatible with a localized tumor extends out of the kidney and requires 

trimming.

03-0715: The skin over the neck on this young chicken is dark red. A visible cut across the 

cervical vessels is absent. The red skin discoloration and absence of a cervical cut are 

consistent with a cadaver - a bird that was still breathing when it entered the scald tank.

Cadavers are unfit for human food.

03-0732: This normal heart in a young turkey appears red with uniformly white fat where the 

arteries and veins attach. The surface exhibits spots and blotches. The general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken curve except where the arteries and veins attach.

03-0739: The bone marrow cavity of this young turkey appears white with an open area of tan 

fluid. This appearance is suggestive of necrosis and exudates, which is consistent with 

inflammation.

03-0869: Normal kidneys in a young chicken with blood tinged gelatinous fluid in the body 

cavity. Such fluid is compatible with ascites.

03-0893: The soft tissue around the joint in this young chicken is swollen. The skin appears wet 

and yellow. This appearance is suggestive of inflammation in the tendons and skin.

04-0536: This young chicken evidences necrosis and hemorrhage in the liver and spleen. The 

liver appears reddish-brown. The general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The linear white 

areas are soft and suggestive of dead tissue. The dark red areas in the liver and dark purple 

spleen are characteristic of hemorrhage. The parallel orientation of the white and dark red tissue 

in the liver is suggestive of swelling caused by the liver pressing against the ribs. Necrosis and 

hemorrhage are consistent with a generalized disease condition.

05-0899: These are two adequately fleshed young chickens with ample body fat, normal skin, 

and minimal blemishes. The carcass on the right has normal skin color. The skin over the 

breast, thigh, and drumstick on the carcass on the left is dark red. The red skin discoloration of 

the otherwise normal carcass is consistent with a bird that was still breathing when it entered 

the scald tank.

05-1045: This is an adequately fleshed young chicken with a solitary mass extending out from 

the skin. Such a mass is compatible with a localized tumor and requires trimming.

06-0228: This normal liver in a young turkey appears brown with light spots and blotches. The 

general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The texture of a normal liver is firm.
48

06-0257: The oviduct of this young chicken contains white exudates. The oviduct is inflamed 

and unfit for human food.

06-0298: This is an adequately fleshed young chicken with ample body fat, normal skin, and 

minimal blemishes. The overall dark appearance evidences dehydration. The prominent dark 

red discoloration of one side of the carcass is suggestive of blood setting in the carcass. 

Depending on the ambient temperature and time since death, the carcass might be cool and/or 

stiff. The overall condition is consistent with a bird that was dead on arrival.

06-0305: This is a well-nourished young chicken with ample body fat and no obvious blemishes. 

A well-defined area across the back is dark yellow to brown. Such a discoloration is compatible 

with inflammation. Tissue affected by inflammation is unfit for human food.

06-0316: The skin of this young chicken appears uniform in color, moist, and thick. Feather 

follicles appear uniform in size and arranged in rows with approximately equal space between 

follicles. The minor quality defects – feather remnant and scratches – do not make the skin 

unsafe or unfit for human food.

06-0338: This is a well-nourished young chicken with ample body fat and no obvious blemishes. 

A well-defined area on the vent flap is dark yellow to brown. Such a discoloration is compatible 

with inflammation. Tissue affected by inflammation is unfit for human food.

07-0159: This normal heart in a young chicken appears reddish-tan with uniformly white fat 

where the arteries and veins attach. The surface color appears uniform. The general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken curve except where the arteries and veins attach.

07-0194: The skin of a young chicken with a round, white to tan nodule greater than one 

millimeter in greatest dimension, with smooth borders, centered on a feather follicle. Such a 

nodule is compatible with the avian leukosis complex, which is a generalized tumor condition

requiring disposal of carcass and viscera.

07-0242: These normal spleens from young chickens are round to oval. Their color varies from 

red to tan. The surface color appears uniform or exhibits spots and blotches.

07-0263: This is a well-nourished young chicken with ample body fat and minimal blemishes. A 

well-defined area across the breast is dark red. Such a discoloration is compatible with a bruise. 

Tissue affected by a bruise is unfit for human food.

07-0296: This normal liver in a young chicken contains excess fat. The liver appears tan with 

spots and blotches. The general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The texture of a fatty liver 

is soft. The excess fat does not make the liver unsafe or unfit for human food.

07-0564: This young chicken evidences hemorrhage in the heart. The general outline is a 

smooth, unbroken curve except where the arteries and veins attach. The dark red surface 

blotches are characteristic with hemorrhage, which is consistent with a generalized disease 

condition.

07-0851: This young chicken evidences adequate body fat and normal skin. The enlarged joint 

at the end of the drumstick is suggestive of inflammation. The uniformly dark muscle tissue is 

suggestive of extreme loss of body fluids. Inflammation with loss of body fluids are compatible 

with wasting, which is a generalized disease condition.

07-0877: This is a well-nourished young chicken with ample body fat and minimal blemishes. 

The body is plump. The general form of the wings and hips is round. The skin appears uniform 

in color, moist, and thick. The underlying muscle tissue is barely visible through the skin. The 

yellow color is due to yellow plant pigments in the feed.
49

07-0885: The skin of a young chicken with a round, white to tan nodule greater than one 

millimeter in greatest dimension, with smooth borders, centered on a feather follicle. Such a 

nodule is compatible with the avian leukosis complex, which is a generalized tumor condition

requiring disposal of carcass and viscera.

09-0275: This is an adequately fleshed young chicken. A round, white mass extends out of the 

kidney. Such a mass is compatible with a localized tumor and requires trimming.

09-0491: The kidneys in this young chicken are uniformly enlarged and pale in color. The 

uniform enlargement and color change are compatible with a growth disturbance and significant 

fibrosis. Tissue affected by disturbances of growth and significant fibrosis are unfit for human 

food.

09-0579: This is an adequately fleshed young chicken. Multiple, round, white masses extend out 

of the skin. Such masses are compatible with localized tumors and require trimming. 

09-0625: This young turkey evidences necrosis in the liver. The liver appears red. The general 

outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The linear white areas are soft and suggestive of dead 

tissue. The parallel orientation of the white tissue is suggestive of swelling caused by the liver 

pressing against the ribs. Necrosis is consistent with a generalized disease condition.

09-0661: The skin of this young chicken is normal with quality defects – retained feathers. A 

well-defined area across the back of the wing is dark red. Such a discoloration is compatible 

with a bruise. Tissue affected by a bruise is unfit for human food.

09-0690: These normal livers from two young turkeys appear reddish-brown with lights spots 

and blotches. The general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The dry appearance of the liver 

on the left is a post mortem artifact. The texture of a normal liver is firm.

09-0691: These two normal hearts from two young turkeys appear red with uniformly white fat 

where the arteries and veins attach. The surface exhibits spots and blotches. The general 

outline is a smooth, unbroken curve except where the arteries and veins attach.

09-0693: These normal spleens from young turkeys are round to oval. Their color varies from 

red to tan. The surface color appears uniform or exhibits spots and blotches.

09-0794: This normal bone marrow from a young turkey appears uniformly red with a fine 

texture.

09-0811: The drumstick from this young turkey has a prominent swelling under the skin. Such 

swelling is consistent with the presence of exudates in the underlying tendons. Inflamed tissue 

is unfit for human food.

09-0834: This young chicken has round, white nodules, with smooth borders, throughout the 

liver and spleen. The heart appears normal. Such nodules are compatible with the avian 

leukosis complex, which is a generalized tumor condition requiring disposal of carcass and 

viscera.

09-0842: Multiple masses filled with blood are visible in the liver of this young chicken. A large 

ruptured mass is visible in the center of the liver. Such masses are compatible with localized 

tumors and requires trimming..

09-0879: This is an adequately fleshed young chicken with coalescing,multiple, round, cratershaped masses extending throughout the skin. Coalescing tumors require disposal of the entire 

carcass 

09-0904: This young chicken has round, white nodules, with smooth borders, throughout the 

liver and spleen. The heart appears normal. Such nodules are compatible with the avian 
50

leukosis complex, which is a generalized tumor condition requiring disposal of carcass and 

viscera.

09-0910: This young chicken has round, white nodules, with smooth borders, throughout the 

liver and spleen. The heart appears normal. Such nodules are compatible with the avian 

leukosis complex, which is a generalized tumor condition requiring disposal of carcass and 

viscera.

09-0921: This young chicken evidences necrosis in the liver and hemorrhage in the spleen. The 

liver is soft with white blotches suggestive of dead tissue. The general outline is a smooth, 

unbroken curve. The dark purple and soft spleen is characteristic of hemorrhage. The heart 

appears normal. Necrosis and hemorrhage are consistent with a generalized disease condition.

09-0935: The oviduct of this young chicken contains white exudates. The oviduct is inflamed 

and unfit for human food.

10-0127: The skin and muscle tissue on this young turkey is mutilated. Mutilated tissue is 

contaminated and unfit for human food.

10-0151: This is a well-fleshed young chicken. A single, firm mass is present under the skin of 

the thigh. Such a mass is compatible with a localized tumor and requires trimming

10-0174: Digestive tract content is present on the exposed muscle tissue of a young chicken. 

Digestive tract contents require removal from the carcass and viscera.

10-0192: Digestive tract content is present on the skin and exposed muscle tissue of a young 

chicken. Digestive tract contents require removal from the carcass and viscera. 10-0210: This is 

a well-nourished young chicken with ample body fat and minimal blemishes. A well-defined area 

across the breast and wing is dark red. Such a discoloration is compatible with a bruise. Tissue 

affected by a bruise is unfit for human food.

10-0236: This normal joint surface and tendon in a young chicken are white. The surface is 

shiny.

10-0399: Feces is present on the skin of a young chicken. Color is green, has a semi-solid to 

paste consistency and does not have plant material. Feces requires removal from carcass and 

viscera.

10-0403: The skin of this young chicken appears uniform in color, moist, and thick. Feather 

follicles appear uniform in size and arranged in rows with approximately equal space between 

follicles. The minor quality defects – feather remnants and red blemishes – do not make the skin 

unsafe or unfit for human food.

10-0440: The skin of the drumstick in this young chicken is dark red. Such a discoloration is 

compatible with a bruise. Tissue affected by a bruise is unfit for human food.

10-0443: The skin of the drumstick in this young chicken is dark red to green. Such a 

discoloration is compatible with a bruise. Tissue affected by a bruise is unfit for human food.

10-0694: The oviduct of this young turkey contains white exudates. The oviduct is inflamed and 

unfit for human food.

10-0706: The heart of this young turkey appears wet, and off-white. The fat, normally visible 

where the arteries and veins attach, is gone. The general outline is no longer a smooth, 

unbroken curve. This is compatible with wasting, which is a generalized disease condition.

10-0779: This normal liver in a young turkey contains excess bile. The liver appears purple with 

green spots and blotches. The general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The texture of a 

normal liver is firm. The excess bile does make the liver unfit for human food.
51

10-0821: This inflamed liver in a young turkey is fibrotic and enlarged. The liver appears 

uniformly tan. The general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The texture of an enlarged, 

inflamed, fibrotic liver is hard. The fibrosis makes the liver unfit for human food.

10-0835: This inflamed liver in a young turkey contains large granuloma throughout. The liver 

appears purple with spots and blotches. The general outline is not a smooth, unbroken curve. 

The texture of an inflamed liver is soft to firm. The granuloma make the liver unfit for human 

food. The slight green tinge is suggestive of bile retention.

10-0866: The fat attached to the gizzard of this young turkey appears thin, pink, and

transparent. This is compatible with wasting, which is a generalized disease condition.

10-0884: This inflamed liver in a young chicken is fibrotic and enlarged. The liver appears 

uniformly tan. The general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The texture of an enlarged, 

inflamed, fibrotic liver is hard. The fibrosis makes the liver unfit for human food.

10-0885: This normal liver in a young chicken contains excess fat. The liver appears tan with 

spots and blotches. The general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The texture of a fatty liver 

is soft. The excess fat does not make the liver unsafe or unfit for human food.

10-0907: This inflamed liver in a young chicken contains small granuloma throughout. The liver 

appears purple with spots and blotches. The general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The 

texture of an inflamed liver is soft to firm. The granuloma make the liver unfit for human food. 

The slight green tinge is suggestive of bile retention.

10-0923: Multiple black masses are visible in the liver and lung of this young chicken. Such 

masses are compatible with localized tumors and require trimming.

10-0929: This inflamed liver in a young chicken is fibrotic. The liver appears reddish-brown with 

spots and blotches. The general outline is not a smooth, unbroken curve. The texture of an 

inflamed, fibrotic liver is firm to hard. The fibrosis makes the liver unfit for human food.

10-0977: A clear, watery fluid is visible inside the capsule surrounding the heart of young 

chicken. Such fluid retention is compatible with ascites.

10-0987: This inflamed heart in a young chicken evidences the presence of exudates in the sac 

around the heart and on the surface of the heart. The presence of exudates makes the heart 

unfit for human food.

10-0988: This inflamed heart in a young chicken evidences the presence of exudates in the sac 

around the heart and on the surface of the heart. The presence of exudates makes the heart 

unfit for human food.

10-0992: This inflamed heart in a young chicken evidences the presence of exudates on the 

surface of the heart. The presence of exudates makes the heart unfit for human food.

10-1039: This is a well-fleshed young chicken. A solitary mass is present in the skin. Such a 

mass is compatible with a localized tumor and require trimming.

10-1044: The normal thoracic air sac in this young chicken appears thin, pliable, and somewhat 

transparent. The minor quality defect – lung – does not make the carcass unsafe or unfit for 

human food.

10-1046: The normal thoracic air sac in this young chicken appears thin, pliable, and somewhat 

transparent.

10-1051: The abdominal air sac of this young chicken contains exudates, which evidence 

inflammation of the air sac and adjacent tissue. Inflamed tissue is unfit for human food.
52

10-1052: The thoracic air sac of this young chicken contains exudates, which evidence 

inflammation of the air sac and adjacent tissue. Inflamed tissue is unfit for human food.

10-1054: The abdominal air sac and sac around the heart of this young chicken contain 

exudates, which evidence inflammation. The general outline of the liver is not a smooth, 

unbroken curve, which is suggestive of fibrosis. Inflamed tissue is unfit for human food.

10-1074: The abdominal air sac of this young chicken contains exudates, which evidence 

inflammation of the air sac and adjacent tissue. Inflamed tissue is unfit for human food.

10-1080: This is an adequately fleshed young chicken. Several , round, crater-shaped masses 

extend throughout the skin. Such masses are compatible with localized tumors and require 

trimming.

10-1100: This is a well-fleshed young chicken. Multiple, black masses are present in the skin. 

Such masses are compatible with localized tumors and require trimming.

10-1161: The skin of this young chicken appears uniform in color, moist, and thick. Feather 

follicles appear uniform in size and arranged in rows with approximately equal space between 

follicles. The minor quality defects – red blemishes – do not make the skin unsafe or unfit for 

human food.

10-1203: A prominent greenish swelling is visible next to the kidney in this young chicken. The 

swelling and discoloration are consistent with the presence of exudates in the hip joint. Inflamed 

tissue is unfit for human food.

10-1232: This normal joint surface and tendon in a young turkey are white. The surface is shiny.

10-1254: The muscle tissue on this young turkey is mutilated. Mutilated tissue is contaminated 

and unfit for human food.

10-1257: This young turkey evidences inadequate body fat and normal skin. The prominent 

thighbone and uniformly dark muscle tissue are compatible with wasting, which is consistent 

with a generalized disease condition.

10-1318: This is an adequately nourished young turkey with adequate body fat and minimal 

blemishes. The body is slender. The general form of the wings and sternum is angular. The skin 

appears uniform in color, moist, and thin. The underlying muscle tissue is visible through the 

skin.

10-1320: This is a well-nourished young turkey with ample body fat and minimal blemishes. The 

body is plump. The general form of the wings and hips is round. The skin appears uniform in 

color, moist, and thick. The underlying muscle tissue is barely visible through the skin.

10-1324: This is a well-nourished young turkey with ample body fat and minimal blemishes. The 

body is plump. The general form of the wings and hips is round. The skin appears uniform in 

color, moist, and thick. The underlying muscle tissue is barely visible through the skin.

10-1342: The upper drumstick from this young turkey is normal. The lower drumstick has a 

prominent swelling of the joint and the skin is thick and yellow. Such swelling and discoloration 

is consistent with the presence of exudates in the underlying tendons and skin. Inflamed tissue 

is unfit for human food.

10-1352: This young turkey evidences inadequate body fat and normal skin. The linear, red 

blemishes in the skin are veins filled with blood. The prominent thighbone and uniformly dark 

muscle tissue are compatible with wasting, which is consistent with a generalized disease 

condition.
53

10-1383: This is an adequately nourished young turkey with minimal quality defects – retained 

cuticle and surface blemishes. A prominent swelling is visible over the thighbone. Such swelling 

is consistent with the presence of exudates in the underlying tendons. Inflamed tissue is unfit for 

human food.

10-1424: The abdominal air sac of this young turkey contains exudates, which evidence 

inflammation of the air sac and adjacent tissue. Inflamed tissue is unfit for human food.

10-1465: This is a well-nourished young chicken with ample body fat and no obvious blemishes. 

The skin appears uniform in color, moist, and thick. Feather follicles appear uniform in size and 

arranged in rows with approximately equal space between follicles.

10-1490: This is a well-nourished young turkey with ample body fat and no obvious blemishes. 

The majority of the skin appears uniform in color, moist, and thick. Feather follicles appear 

uniform in size and arranged in rows with approximately equal space between follicles. The 

thick, wet, yellow appearance of the skin over the breast is consistent with exudates and 

inflammation.

10-1502: The skin of this young turkey over the drumstick appears thick, wet, and yellow. The 

appearance of the skin is consistent with exudates and inflammation.

10-1532: The skin of this young turkey appears uniform in color, moist, and thick. Feather 

follicles appear uniform in size and arranged in rows with approximately equal space between 

follicles. The minor quality defects – surface blemishes – do not make the skin unsafe or unfit 

for human food.

10-1544: This is an adequately fleshed young turkey with quality defects – surface blemishes. 

Feather follicles appear uniform in size and arranged in rows with approximately equal space 

between follicles. The scabs and open sores with red margins are consistent with inflammation. 

10-1568: This is an adequately fleshed young turkey with ample body fat and normal skin. The 

skin over the entire carcass is dark red. The red skin discoloration of the otherwise normal 

carcass is consistent with a bird that was still breathing when it entered the scald tank.

10-1606: The skin of this young turkey appears uniform in color, moist, and thick. Feather 

follicles appear uniform in size and arranged in rows with approximately equal space between 

follicles. The minor quality defects – retained cuticle and feather remnant – do not make the skin 

unsafe or unfit for human food.

10-1625: The skin of the hip in this young turkey is dark red. Such a discoloration is compatible 

with a bruise. Tissue affected by a bruise is unfit for human food.

10-1807: This normal liver in a young chicken appears reddish-purple with lights spots and 

blotches. The general outline is a smooth, unbroken curve. The texture of a normal liver is firm. 

The normal fat attached to the gizzard appears uniformly white and completely opaque.

10-1822: This is a well-nourished young chicken with ample body fat and no obvious blemishes. 

The body is plump. The general form of the wings and hips is round. The skin appears uniform 

in color, moist, and thick. The underlying muscle tissue is barely visible through the skin.

10-1846: This is an adequately nourished young chicken with adequate body fat and minimal 

blemishes. The body is slender. The general form of the wings and sternum is angular. The skin 

appears uniform in color, moist, and thin. The underlying muscle tissue is visible through the 

skin.

10-1862: A clear, watery fluid is visible in the body cavity of young chicken. Such fluid retention 

is compatible with ascites.
54

10-1901: This young chicken evidences adequate body fat and normal skin. The uniformly dark 

muscle tissue is suggestive of an extreme loss of body fluids, which is consistent with a 

generalized disease condition.

10-1950: This young chicken evidences inadequate body fat and normal skin. The prominent 

keel bone and uniformly dark muscle tissue are compatible with wasting, which is consistent 

with a generalized disease condition.

10-2017: This young chicken evidences necrosis in the liver. The liver appears red. A significant 

portion of the liver is pink. Exudates are visible on the surface. The general outline is a smooth, 

unbroken curve. Necrosis with exudates is consistent with a generalized disease condition. The 

yellow color of the fat is due to yellow plant pigments in the feed.

10-2218: The abdominal air sac of this young turkey contains exudates, which evidence 

inflammation of the air sac and adjacent tissue. Inflamed tissue is unfit for human food.

10-2223: The normal thoracic and abdominal air sacs in this young turkey appear thin, pliable, 

and somewhat transparent.

10-2234: This fibrotic liver in a young turkey contains excess bile. The liver appears purple with 

white spots and blotches. The general outline is not a smooth, unbroken curve. The texture of a 

fibrotic liver is firm. The fibrosis and excess bile does make the liver unfit for human food.

10-2256: This fibrotic liver in a young turkey contains excess bile. The liver appears purple with 

white spots and blotches. The general outline is not a smooth, unbroken curve. The texture of a 

fibrotic liver is firm. The fibrosis and excess bile does make the liver unfit for human food. The 

fat attached to the gizzard appears thin, pink, and transparent, which is suggestive of a wasting 

condition.