Labeling of Safe Thawing Instructions on Consumer Packages

Thawing instructions which appear on the label of a frozen meat or poultry product must be given in accordance with FSIS' recommendations for safe thawing procedures. These procedures are as follows:

1. Thawing product in the refrigerator.

2. Thawing product in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until product is thawed.

3. Thawing product in a microwave oven for less than 2 hours. Cook immediately.

Upon request, alternative thawing procedures may be considered. However, scientific evidence which thoroughly establishes the safety of an alternative thawing procedure must be presented with the procedure when it is submitted for review.

See: Policy Memo 119 dated September 28, 1989