Ingredient

Meatballs: Mechanically Separated Chicken

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
MSC is often used as an ingredient in processed chicken products such as hot …

What it is

Mechanically separated chicken (MSC) is a paste-like and/or foamy-like poultry product, produced by removing bones from chicken carcasses or parts of carcasses, after which the remaining meat is scraped or otherwise separated from the bones. This process results in a product that contains bone fragments, bone marrow, and other tissues that may not be easily removed by hand deboning.

Why it's used

MSC is often used as an ingredient in processed chicken products such as hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and sausages. Its use allows manufacturers to utilize more of the chicken carcass, making it a cost-effective ingredient in a variety of processed meat items.

Health notes

The FDA permits the use of mechanically separated chicken in certain food products, provided it meets specific standards. Concerns have been raised about the nutritional content and potential for increased microbial load in MSC compared to hand-deboned meat. However, regulatory bodies like the FDA monitor its production and use to ensure safety.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. Chicken is not one of the 9 FDA major allergens. Gluten is not present.

Products containing Meatballs: Mechanically Separated Chicken

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Osi Industries, LLC Penne Pasta & Meatballs With Tomato Sauce, Tomato Sauce Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 31% DV per serving 117kcal 5Protein 4.4Fat 13.9Carbs Conagra Brands Inc BANQUET Basic Rigatoni And Italian Sausage With Meatballs, 8 OZ Ready-Made Combination Meals High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 132kcal 5.7Protein 5.3Fat 15.4Carbs Conagra Brands Inc BANQUET Spaghetti And Meatballs Mega Meal, 13.2 OZ Pasta/Noodles High in sodium — 50% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 115kcal 5.9Protein 4.8Fat 11.8Carbs Conagra Brands, Inc Banquet Rigatoni and Italian Sausage with Meatballs, Frozen Meal, 9 oz. Pasta/Noodles High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving —kcal 5.5Protein 5.1Fat 15.3Carbs Conagra Brands, Inc Banquet Swedish Meatballs with Noodles, Frozen Meal, 10.45 oz. Ready-Made Combination Meals High in sodium — 49% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 30% DV per serving —kcal 5.4Protein 6.1Fat 13.8Carbs Conagra Brands, Inc Banquet MEGA Bowls Dynamite Penne with Meatballs, Frozen Meal, 14 oz. Ready-Made Combination Meals High in sodium — 50% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 21% DV per serving 149kcal 6.1Protein 6.8Fat 15.4Carbs
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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.