318.18—Handling of certain material for mechanical processing.
Material to be processed into “Mechanically Separated (Species)” shall be so processed within 1 hour from the time it is cut or separated from carcasses or parts of carcasses, except that such product may be held for no more than 72 hours at 40 °F. (4 °C.) or less, or held indefinitely at 0 °F. (−18 °C.) or less. “Mechanically Separated (Species)” shall, directly after being processed, be used as an ingredient in a meat food product except that it may be held prior to such use for no more than 72 hours at 40 °F. (4 °C.) or less or indefinitely at 0 °F. (−18 °C.) or less.