How Are Giblets Packaged and Labeled?
In whole ready to cook poultry, giblets are located in a bag in the abdominal cavity. They will not be from the original bird. Giblets may also be purchased separately as livers, hearts, or a combination thereof, and labeled accordingly. Ready to cook whole poultry is not required to contain giblets and need not be labeled if they are missing. If a bird is labeled “with giblets,” it will contain at least half of each giblet.(Huh?) Parts of the giblets may have broken off during handling or may be missing due to trimming. Some are packed into the body cavity of the bird by hand (absolutely frightening) and some are packed by machine. USDA allows poultry processors to use labels stating that giblets may be missing — or, “without giblets” (commonly known as “wogs” in the poultry industry). Giblets may be lost or broken or may have been pulled from the processing line for not meeting inspection standards. What Color is Normal for Livers? Normal poultry livers range in color from tan or ye
