How is frozen poultry packaged and stored?

In the context of poultry processing, frozen poultry is typically vacuum-packed in plastic bags before being processed in high-velocity freezers.1

To enhance the quality of the meat, poultry may be injected with oils, flavorings, and salts using a multi-needle automatic injector prior to the freezing process; these ingredients must be disclosed on the product label. Once frozen, the birds are maintained in cold storage until they are required for use.1

For optimal quality, it is recommended that frozen poultry be consumed within three months, though the actual storage life is influenced by the freezer's temperature, the effectiveness of the packaging, and the frequency of temperature cycling. When preparing the product, it can be cooked directly from a frozen state or thawed safely in a refrigerator or under cold running water to prevent microbial contamination.1