National Food Crime Unit industry update: Labelling defrosted meat

National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) industry update (November 2025): Labelling defrosted meat

Concerns have been raised about defrosted poultry products being refrozen, then incorrectly labelled. This not only constitutes food fraud but also affects product shelf life and raises food safety concerns.

Keeping consumers informed and protected is at the heart of food labelling regulations. If your business handles meat products, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements for labelling defrosted meat under UK law.

Under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (retained in UK law) and Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, defrosted meat must be clearly labelled as “defrosted” but there are a few exceptions.

You must label defrosted meat as “defrosted” unless:

• it’s used as an ingredient in a final product (e.g. cooked meals)
• the defrosting process does not affect the safety or quality of the meat

The term “defrosted” must be:

• visible and easy to read
• indelible (not easily removed or smudged)
• placed near the product name to avoid misleading consumers

This ensures clarity and helps customers make informed choices.

Traceability requirements

Food business operators are also required to keep detailed records, including the:

• original freezing date
• defrosting date
• method and conditions of defrosting

These records support food safety and are crucial during inspections or in the event of a product recall.

Accurate labelling builds consumer trust, ensures regulatory compliance, and protects your business from enforcement action. It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about upholding food integrity.

Member support

For any advice and support, members can use our Food Safety Management System and our Trading Standards manual. If you would like specific advice, then you can speak to our Technical Advice line. Call the office on 01892 541412,