Regulation (EC) 853/2004 defines 'Mechanically separated meat' (MSM) as the product obtained by removing meat from flesh-bearing bones after boning or from poultry carcases, using mechanical means resulting in the loss or modification of the muscle fibre structure. MSM must not be re-frozen after thawing.
The raw material used to produce MSM must comply with the requirements for fresh meat.
The following material must not be used to produce MSM:
- for poultry - the feet, neckskin and head; and
- for other animals - the bones of the head, feet, tails, femur, tibia, fibula, humerus, radius and ulna.