What must meat and poultry packaging include to inform consumers?

Meat and poultry packaging must include safe handling instructions and a list of ingredients to provide consumers with essential information about the products they are purchasing. Safe handling instructions inform consumers about how to properly handle the product at home to minimize the risk of foodborne illness, including guidelines for washing hands, preventing cross-contamination, and safe cooking temperatures. The inclusion of a list of ingredients is crucial for consumers with food allergies or dietary restrictions, as it lets them assess whether the product meets their dietary needs or personal preferences.

Cooking instructions are important but not the only requirement; therefore, packaging that includes solely cooking instructions would not meet the necessary guidelines. While nutrition facts provide valuable information, they are not sufficient on their own without addressing safe handling and ingredient information. A barcode is helpful for inventory and sales tracking but does not provide consumers with critical information related to food safety and ingredient content. Thus, including both safe handling instructions and a list of ingredients is essential for empowering consumers to make informed decisions about the meat and poultry they purchase.