September 2011/Prepared Foods’ “Regulations”-- The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has released an advance copy of a proposed rule titled “Common or Usual Name for Raw Meat and Poultry Products.” Under the proposed rule, raw meat and poultry products with added solution that do not otherwise fall under an established standard of identity would have a common or usual name, consisting of a description of the product; the percentage of solution added; and a list of ingredients contained in the solution.
According to FSIS, added solutions change the nutrient composition of raw meat and products and have been shown by consumer studies to influence purchasing decisions. FSIS indicates it is concerned consumers may be unaware of the presence of added solution in some products. Under the proposed rule, the common or usual name for raw meat or poultry products with added solutions that do not otherwise have an established standard of identity must contain: