If a calendar date is shown, there must be a phrase explaining the meaning of the date. It's always best to buy a product before its date expires. If a date expires after the poultry is frozen, the food can still be used. All poultry found in retail stores is either USDA-inspected for wholesomeness or inspected by state systems which have standards equal to the federal government. Each animal and its internal organs are inspected for signs of disease.
Inspection is mandatory, but grading is voluntary.
Poultry are graded according to USDA regulations and standards for meatiness, appearance and freedom from defects. Grade A chickens, the best grade, have plump, meaty bodies and clean skin, free of bruises, broken bones, feathers, cuts and discoloration. Some USDA-inspected frozen stuffed poultry MUST be cooked from the frozen state to ensure a safely cooked product. Packaged fresh poultry may be refrigerated in its original wrapping in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to two days. Store uncooked poultry items together, separate from cooked foods.