What Does “Fresh” or “Frozen” Mean on a Turkey Label?
The term “fresh” may ONLY be placed on raw poultry that has never been below 26 °F. Poultry held at 0 °F or below must be labeled “frozen” or “previously frozen.” No specific labeling is required on poultry between 0 and 26 °F. This poultry label rule addresses a truth-in-labeling issue, not food safety, because most pathogenic bacteria do not multiply or multiply very slowly at normal refrigerator temperatures. The Agency concluded that the term “fresh” should not be used on the labeling of raw poultry products that have been chilled to the point they are hard to the touch. “Hen” or “Tom” Turkey — Which Is Better? The sex designation of “hen” (female) or “tom” (male) turkey is optional on the label, and is an indication of size. Toms are larger but both toms and hens should be equally tender. When Can a Turkey Be Called “Free Range” or “Free Roaming?” Producers must demonstrate to the USDA’s food safety agency (FSIS) that the poultry has been allowed access to the outside in order to
