Processed or Prepared Product - Immediate containers, e.g., bags, cardboard cartons, tray packs, and film bags enclosing processed or prepared product can be considered protective coverings and exempt from the marking and labeling requirements if placed in a shipping container which meets all mandatory labeling requirements of an immediate container. This does not exempt the mandatory identification and marking which is specifically required on the immediate container of cooked beef (9 CFR 318.17). In addition, the shipping container must be clearly marked "Packed for Institutional Use" or an equally descriptive statement of intended limited distribution. Unlabeled product may not be removed from shipping containers for further distribution nor displayed or offered for sale.

Unprocessed Meat Cuts - Transparent film bags enclosing individual meat cuts in an unprocessed state can be considered protective coverings and exempt from the marking and labeling requirements if placed in a shipping container which meets all mandatory labeling of an immediate container. These unlabeled meat cuts may only be removed from the shipping container for resale and further distribution to retailers, hotels, restaurants, and similar institutions if the product itself or the film bag bears a clearly legible official mark of inspection and the establishment number.

See: Policy Memo 090B dated December 18, 1990