FSIS considering new definitions for some poultry

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is considering a proposal that asked to establish a definition for ''roaster'' and ''roasting chicken''.

The FSIS first proposed this definition and standard in its September 2003 proposed rule to amend the definitions and standards for the official US classes of poultry.

A ''roaster'' or ''roasting chicken'' should be defined as a chicken with a ready-to-cook carcass weight of five pounds or more, based on recent survey information from the Agriculture Marketing Service.

FSIS has also tentatively concluded that R.T.C. carcass weight, instead of average live weight, is necessary in the class standard and definition so FSIS can verify the appropriate use of the term ''roaster'' or ''roasting chicken'' on product labels.

FSIS is accepting comments on this proposed rule on or before August 12.