Source: USDA, 6/5/14
 
VERIFICATION OF NON-FOOD SAFETY CONSUMER PROTECTION REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS—POULTRY CLASS STANDARDS 

I. PURPOSE
This notice provides inspection program personnel (IPP) instructions regarding verification of the amended poultry class standards of identity and composition.

II. BACKGROUND
A. On November 3, 2011, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) amended the definitions and standards for the official U.S. classes of poultry so that they more accurately and clearly describe the characteristics of poultry in the market today (76 FR 68058). Genetic improvements and poultry management techniques have reduced the grow-out period for some poultry classes resulting in a need for FSIS to amend its standards to more accurately reflect poultry being marketed to consumers. The new standards are found in 9 CFR 381.170(a)(1) and became effective January 1, 2014.

B. On November 18, 2013, the National Chicken Council (NCC) submitted a petition (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/adf54579-7a18-4ab2-a9b5-88f1eef65332/Petition-National-Chicken-Council.pdf?MOD=AJPERES) requesting that FSIS amend its regulations for the definition and standard of identity for the “roaster” chicken class. The amended “roaster” definition states that a “roaster” is a young chicken between 8 and 12 weeks of age with a ready-to-cook (RTC) carcass weight of 5 pounds or more, that is tender-meated with soft, pliable, smooth-textured skin and breastbone cartilage that is somewhat less flexible than that of a broiler or fryer. The NCC asserts that further improvements in breeding and poultry management techniques that have continued since FSIS published the November 2011 final rule have enabled producers to raise chickens with the weight and other characteristics of roasters in under 8 weeks. 

C. FSIS, in consultation with USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), considered the information in the petition and found that data show that there are chickens less than 8 weeks of age with a RTC carcass weight of 5 pounds or more and other physical characteristics of a roaster. The age of these birds falls within the age range for “broilers” (i.e., under 10 weeks), but these birds have the size and other physical attributes of roasters. Based on these findings, FSIS and AMS agree that there is a need to address this gap in the regulations. FSIS is directing its inspection personnel not to object if chickens younger than 8 weeks of age continue to be labeled and marketed as “roasters” provided these birds meet all of the other characteristics of a roaster in the standard, i.e., a ready to cook carcass weight of 5 pounds or more, tender-meated with soft, pliable, smooth-textured skin and breastbone cartilage that is somewhat less flexible than that of a broiler or fryer.

III. IPP VERIFICATION ACTIVITIES
IPP are to continue to follow the methodology and documentation for verifying compliance with non-food safety requirement in FSIS Directive 7000.1, “Verification of Non-Food Safety Consumer Protection Regulatory Requirements.” For stated reasons in the Background Section, although the amended “roaster” standard provides for an age range of 8-12 weeks, birds may be labeled and marketed as “roasters” or “roasting chickens” if they are younger than 12 weeks, and they meet all of the physical characteristics of a “roaster” in the standard. 

IV. QUESTIONS
Refer questions about this notice to the Labeling and Program Delivery Staff through askFSIS or call 1-301-504-0878. When submitting a question, use the “Submit a Question” tab, and enter the following information in the fields provided: 
Subject Field: Enter Notice 25-14
Question Field: Enter your question with as much detail as possible.
Product Field: Select Labeling from the drop-down menu.
Category Field: Select Labeling Regulations, Policies and Claims from the drop-down menu.
Policy Arena: Select Domestic (U.S.) Only or International (Import/Export) from the drop-down menu.
When all fields are complete, press Continue and at the next screen press Finish Submitting Question.
Assistant Administrator
Office of Policy and Program Development
Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program Web Page is Now Available
The Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program Web page is now available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/cis.  

The page is a comprehensive site that offers the following information:
•      How the CIS program works;
•      How eligible state-inspected establishments can apply to participate in the program;
•      How establishments can broaden market share with their products produced under the federal mark of inspection;
•      How establishments can remain in their respective State Meat and Poultry Inspection program;
•      Valuable information for State Meat and Poultry Inspection program officials; and
•      A listing of additional resources to aid users with the overall process.

For more information about the CIS program, contact the Small Plant Help Desk, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., ET at 1-877-374-7435 or at InfoSource@fsis.usda.gov.