For example, the use of controlled atmosphere stunning in poultry reduces the incidence of broken bones, bruises and haemorrhages in muscle, all of which are commonly associated with electrical stunning. Another advantage of using controlled atmosphere stunning for poultry is that it eliminates uncrating and shackling of conscious birds and thus contributes to reduce stress to the birds. The procedure is fast, painless, efficient and there is no risk of recovery from unconsciousness. Controlled atmosphere stunning of poultry is also reported to produce more tender breast meat than when electrical stunning is used. The environment for the personal working in the poultry stunning area is also very much improved with the use of controlled atmosphere stunning.
Dust is reduced since unconscious birds are placed on the evisceration line.
The use of controlled atmosphere stunning systems in poultry operations favour the development of automatic hanging of the birds on the evisceration line since the birds are unconscious prior to shackling. This will represent a major advantage for poultry operators. This amendment also addresses several issues primarily to facilitate meat products marketing. To modify the definition of filler to allow for the continuous use of modified starches as filler. Presently, kidneys may remain in carcasses of chicken of less than 8 weeks of age if the label indicates the necessary declaration.