Will allow consumers to more fully appreciate chicken’s nutritional profile
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) final rule requiring nutrition labeling for most single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products, including ground products, goes into effect today.
Prior to today, USDA required nutrition labels only on meat and poultry with added ingredients, such as a marinade, or if the product was cooked and ready to eat. Most chicken companies selling fresh products to retail outlets, however, have for several years voluntarily labeled much of their raw, single ingredient products with nutritional information.
“Chicken has long been recognized for its positive nutritional benefits as one of the most nutrient-rich, lean protein options, giving consumers the highest rate of nutrients for their food dollar,” said NCC Vice President of Communications Tom Super.
“While most chicken companies selling fresh products to retail outlets have for several years voluntarily labeled much of their products with nutritional information, this new labeling rule will allow consumers to more fully appreciate the sound nutritional value that chicken offers,” he added. “The National Chicken Council encourages food shoppers to use this nutrition information on meat and poultry products to help better select the options that are best for their families and their dietary needs.”
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