In an update to a 2016 petition to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the National Chicken Council is requesting mandatory labeling of raw-stuffed chicken products that may appear to consumers to be ready-to-eat. The petition covers breaded, pre-browned chicken, Cordon bleu, and Chicken Kiev and chicken breasts stuffed with broccoli and cheese. Consumer research conducted by the National Chicken Council disclosed that enhanced labeling would increase consumer compliance with thorough cooking and would thereby contribute to food safety.
The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) agreed in September 2021 that labeling should reflect the requirement for thorough cooking of these products that are not suitable for either microwave or air fryer preparation. The NACMPI supports the National Chicken Council Petition.
The Agency was requested to initiate rule making requiring that not-ready-to-eat stuffed chicken breast products should be labeled prominently so that consumers recognize them as raw. Labels should provide information on adequate handling and cooking to ensure freedom from bacterial infection. The National Chicken Council has also requested the Food Safety and Inspection Service to publish a Compliance Guideline on how to validate cooking instructions for the designated products.