Mechanically Separated Meat Of Chicken
Mechanically separated chicken is a USDA-regulated product with strict limits on bone content (less than 1%) and bone particle size (98% under 1.5mm). It is nutritionally similar to ground chicken but contains slightly more fat and calcium from residual bone.
What it is
Paste-like product produced by forcing chicken carcasses through a sieve under high pressure to remove meat from bone.
Inexpensive protein and binder in processed meat products.
Why it's flagged
- typically used in highly processed products with other concerning ingredients
What regulators actually say
"Mechanically Separated Poultry shall not have a bone solids content of more than 1 percent. At least 98 percent of the bone particles present shall have a maximum size no greater than 1.5 mm in their greatest dimension."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Regulated by USDA FSIS under 9 CFR 381.173
European Union — EFSA
Permitted with restrictions; mechanical separation of poultry allowed under EU hygiene regulations
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