FSIS Labeling Policies

Labeling Policies

Basics of Labeling
The Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book, Policy Memorandums, A Guide to Federal Food Labeling Requirements for Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products, directives and other resource material regarding labeling of meat, poultry, and egg products can be found here.

Irradiation

FSIS Directive 7700.1 Revision 1 - Irradiation of Meat and Poultry Products (Apr 13, 2005; PDF only)
This directive provides information and instructions regarding the irradiation of meat and poultry products in official establishments.
- Irradiation Q & A's | PDF
  Answers to questions on irradiation as it pertains to labeling, ingredients, packaging material and procedural issues.
Additional Irradiation Resources

Natural or Regenerated Collagen Sausage Casing

Labeling of Natural or Regenerated Collagen Sausage Casings
FSIS final rule requiring that the source of natural sausage casings be disclosed on the product label if the casings are derived from a different type of meat or poultry than the meat or poultry encased in the sausage.
- askFSIS about Collagen Sausage Casing

Docket Number FSIS-2005-0032
Determining Net Weight Compliance for Meat and Poultry Products - Proposed Rule
FSIS Letter to Steven B. Steinborn, Hogan & Hartson, L.L.P. (Mar 24, 2006; PDF Only)
FSIS Letter to George B. Watts, President, National Chicken Council (Jan 24, 2006; PDF Only)
FSIS Letter to Cato R. Fiksdal, President, California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (Apr 16, 2004; PDF Only)
FSIS Letter to Mark Dopp, Senior Vice President and General Council, American Meat Institute (Apr 5, 2004; PDF Only)

Nutrition Labeling Information
Collection of nutrition label information and guidance material.

Product Dating

Food Product Dating | PDF
Are dates required on food products? Does it mean the product will be unsafe to use after that date? Here is some background information which answers these and other questions about product dating.
Labeling Compliance Policy Guide on Poultry Food Product Dating (Aug 23, 2010; PDF only)
Packing Dates on Poultry Labeling
Guidance and clarification regarding the appropriate application of the Federal poultry products inspection regulations on "date of packing".
Regulations for Package Dating
Guidance material regarding FSIS poultry products inspection regulations for package dating.

Standards of Identify

Guidance on the Elimination of the Pizza with Meat or Sausage Standard Q's & A's
Answers to questions regarding the final rule that eliminated the standards of identity for pizza with meat or sausage products
- Supplemental Pizza Q's & A's
  Answers to questions which address the names of non-traditional pizza-like products and pizzas with modified cheeses.

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Last Modified: May 20, 2013


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