Handling Statements on Retorted Products

Handling statements may appear on labels for shelf stable product, even though such product does not have to be refrigerated or frozen, and provided the statement will accurately reflect conditions of distribution and sale. These products are to be handled in the plant as shelf stable items including incubation and condition-of-container examinations. Once the product is refrigerated or frozen for shipment, distribution, and display for sale it is to be handled as a refrigerated or frozen item.

See: Policy Memo 104 dated February 13, 1987

The statement "previously handled frozen for your protection, refreeze or keep refrigerated" is now acceptable on poultry products under the usual restriction of use for such statements.