Notice to the Trade - Freezing Requirements for Ready-to-Eat Poultry Items Purchased by AMS

NOTICE TO THE TRADE

FREEZING REQUIREMENTS FOR READY-TO-EAT POULTRY ITEMS PURCHASED BY THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE

The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the freezing requirements in the Federal Purchase Program Specifications for ready-to-eat poultry products 1 to require that cooked products are chilled to reach an internal temperature of I 0 op (-12.2 °C) within 72 hours.  This requirement, effective immediately, replaces the old requirement that cooked products are chilled to an internal temperature of 0 °F (-17.8 °C) within 72 hours.

Please direct questions or comments to Terry Lutz, AMS Livestock Marketing Specialist, at (202) 567-1757 or terry.lutz@ams.usda.gov.