Prior to 1997, poultry could be sold as “fresh” even if it was frozen “as solid as a block of ice”. However, consumer concerns about “rock” frozen poultry being sold as “fresh” led USDA to reconsider the term “fresh” as it applies to raw whole poultry and cuts of poultry. Furthermore, national press coverage and testimonies at public hearings indicated strong interest in the term “fresh” being re-defined.
After lengthy hearings, surveys and reviews of sciencebased information, USDA published a “fresh” labeling rule that went into effect in December 1997. Today the definition of “fresh” is intended to meet the expectations of consumers buying poultry. Below are questions and answers about the “fresh” labeling rule and the terms “fresh” and “frozen.”
