What must be on the label of uncooked sausages (i.e. not “ready to eat”)?
Labels for sausages that are not ready to eat must contain safe handling instructions, among other things. Sausages that are NOT ready to eat must bear certain features such as, safe handling instructions. In cases where the sausage is partially cooked or otherwise appears cooked but requires cooking by the consumer for safety, FSIS requires additional labeling features such as a prominent statement on the principal display panel, for example, “Uncooked, Ready to cook, Cook before eating, Cook and serve” or “Needs to be fully cooked.” In addition, the product should display cooking directions that are sufficient for the intended user. The manufacturer would have to validate that the cooking directions are sufficient to destroy any pathogens that could be present. If a sausage is perishable, the label must say “Keep Refrigerated.” Some federally inspected shelf-stable sausages are not ready to eat. If so, they will be labeled as above but will not have “Keep Refrigerated” on the label.
