Additives in Meat & Poultry Products
This fact sheet contains information regarding the food additive approval process and a glossary of additive terms you may see on a meat or poultry product label.

Food Product Dating | PDF | En Español | En Español 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.

Meat & Poultry Labeling Terms | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
This fact sheet features a glossary of meat and poultry labeling terms. Knowing the meaning of labeling terms can make purchasing of meat and poultry products less confusing.

Natural Flavorings on Meat & Poultry Labels | PDF
The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline answers some of its most common questions about the natural flavorings listed on meat and poultry labels.

The Poultry Label Says "Fresh" | PDF
For consumers, "fresh" means whole poultry and cuts have never been below 26 °F. The fact sheet provides background information on this labeling rule.

Approval of Food Ingredients & Sources of Radiation For Use in Meat & Poultry
FSIS streamlined the approval process for food ingredients, including food and color additives, and sources of radiation, by ending the requirement that they be approved separately by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and FSIS.

Nutrition Labeling Proposed For Raw Meat & Poultry Products
In 2001, FSIS proposed extending mandatory nutrition labeling to single-ingredient raw meat and poultry products, which are currently covered only under the voluntary nutrition labeling program.

Product Labeling: Defining "U.S. Cattle" & "U.S. Fresh Beef Products"
FSIS sought public comments on an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on the definition of cattle and fresh beef products for labeling purposes.

Revised Labeling Requirements for "Fresh" Raw Poultry Products
In August 1995, FSIS published a final rule to amend the federal poultry products inspection regulations concerning the use of the term "fresh" on the labeling of raw poultry products.

Using the Claim "Certified Organic By..." on Meat & Poultry Product Labeling
FSIS is the agency in USDA that has the responsibility for assuring that the labeling of meat and poultry products is truthful and not misleading. Labeling bearing claims, such as "certified organic by (a certifying entity)," are evaluated by FSIS prior to use.

Water in Meat and Poultry | PDF
Answers to questions that consumers have asked about water in packages of fresh meat and poultry.