On December 28, USDA/FSIS announced the extension of the effective date for implementation of the Final Rule “Nutrition Labeling of Single-Ingredient Products and Ground or Chopped Meat and Poultry Products” (75 FR 82148) to March 1, 2012.

On December 29, 2010, The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published the final rule “Nutrition Labeling of Single-Ingredient Products and Ground or Chopped Meat and Poultry Products” (75 FR 82148). This rule amends the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to require nutrition labeling of the major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products on labels or at point-of-purchase, unless an exemption applies. FSIS is also amending its regulations to require nutrition labels on all ground or chopped meat and poultry products, with or without added seasonings, unless an exemption applies. In addition, the rule provides that, when a ground or chopped product does not meet the regulatory criteria to be labeled “low fat,” (as defined in 9 CFR §§317.362(b)(2) and 381.462(b)(2)) a lean percentage statement may be included on the label or in labeling as long as a statement of the fat percentage that meets the specified criteria also is displayed on the label or in labeling.

We post below: (1) FSIS Notice 77-11 of Dec. 28, 2011; (2) 76 FR 76890 which provides useful background information; and (3) 75 FR 82148 as cited above.