Source: USDA FSIS, 1/1/15

FSIS is amending its regulations to require the use of a descriptive designation as part of the product name on the labels of raw meat and poultry products that contain added solutions, such as a marinade, and that do not meet a standard of identity. Today, the final rule making these changes was published in the Federal Register at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/95915f2e-9272-4a1d-8b52-5a2147cb8c59/2010-0012.htm?MOD=AJPERES.  

The descriptive designation can be above, below, or next to the product name (without intervening text or graphics) on the principal display panel. The descriptive designation will have to include the percentage of added solution, and the individual ingredients or multi-ingredient components in the solution listed in descending order of predominance by weight, or in a separate ingredients statement on the label. The print for all words in the product name, including the descriptive designation, must appear in a single easy-to-read type style and color and on a single-color contrasting background. The print may appear in upper and lower case letters, with the lower case letters not smaller than one-third (1/3) the size of the largest letter. The percent solution must appear as a number (e.g., 15, 20, 30) with the percentage sign (%) and may be declared with the word “containing” or “contains.” Under this final rule, the word “enhanced” is not allowed in the product name. The agency is also removing the standard of identity regulation for “ready-to-cook poultry products to which solutions are added” (9 CFR 381.169).
The effective date of the final rule is Jan. 1, 2016, the uniform compliance date for food labeling regulations. The applicability date for the regulation that prescribes that the product name appear with the lower case letters not smaller than one-third (1/3) the size of the largest letter in the product name is Jan. 1, 2018.

The final rule gives consumers clear and meaningful information about the makeup of raw meat and poultry products they are purchasing by requiring that common, usual, and understandable names for raw meat and poultry products that contain added solutions be used. This will allow consumers to clearly and easily distinguish them from products that do not contain added solutions. By requiring clearer, more descriptive product names, consumers will now be able to purchase raw meat and poultry that contain added solutions knowingly and when those products suit their tastes. This information will be very helpful for consumers trying to lower their sodium intake or who have other dietary concerns.