Chicken Frank: Mechanically Separated Chicken

Mechanically separated chicken (MSC) is a paste-like meat product made from chicken carcasses after the valuable cuts of meat have been removed. The remaining meat, skin, and bones are put through a process that separates the edible tissue from the bone fragments. This process results in a paste that is then used as an ingredient.

MSC is often used as a cost-effective protein source in processed meat products like hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and sausages. Its texture and binding properties make it suitable for these applications, helping to create a uniform product.

In the US, MSC is permitted for use in certain processed foods under FDA regulations. The FDA considers it safe when produced under sanitary conditions. JECFA has evaluated mechanically separated meat, including chicken, and has established guidelines for its production and use. Concerns have sometimes been raised about the nutritional profile and potential for increased microbial contamination compared to whole muscle cuts, but regulatory bodies deem it safe when processed correctly.