FSIS delays effective date for final rule on water retention
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has delayed by a year the implementation date of the final rule on retained water in raw meat and poultry products until Jan. 9, 2003 to ensure time for more effective compliance.
The rule limits the amount of water retained by raw, single-ingredient meat and poultry products. Under the regulation, meat and poultry carcasses and their parts will not be permitted to retain water unless it is an unavoidable consequence of processes used to meet food safety requirements. Products with retained water must be labeled accordingly. The rule is intended to provide consumers with more information about the content of the meat and poultry they purchase and assist them in making more informed decisions, according to FSIS.