What is the exact definition of Whole broiler?

Whole broiler refers to the meat and edible offal of Gallus domesticus that is not cut into pieces and is supplied in a frozen state.

How should Whole broiler be stored to maintain quality?

It should be kept continuously frozen at temperatures of –18 °C or lower, protecting it from thaw‑free cycles and contamination.

Can Whole broiler be used directly for cooking, and what preparation is typical?

The frozen whole bird can be thawed under controlled conditions and then roasted, grilled, or boiled as a whole carcass.

Frozen Whole Chicken

Whole broiler is an uncut chicken of the species Gallus domesticus presented in its entirety. It is sold as a raw poultry product that is either fresh/chilled or frozen for distribution.

Prices, specifications and international trade for frozen whole chicken under HS 020712.

Frozen Whole Chicken Price

$1,871USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Frozen whole chicken is quoted in USD/t at BRA. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Frozen Whole Chicken Historical Unit Values

Frozen Whole Chicken Suppliers

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Frozen Whole Chicken Exports and Imports

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Brazil led reported frozen whole chicken exports in 2025, at $1.7B.

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Frozen Whole Chicken Specifications and Quality

Frozen whole chicken grading factors include Carcass finish, Skin condition, and Color and appearance.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for frozen whole chicken considers Carcass finish, Skin condition, and Color and appearance.

Carcass finish
The amount and distribution of fat under the skin affects eating quality and cooking performance; a well-finished bird is more succulent and less likely to dry out during roasting.
Skin condition
Intact, unbroken skin with no tears or bruising protects the meat from freezer burn and moisture loss, and improves appearance for whole-bird presentation.
Color and appearance
A uniform, fresh skin color without discoloration or freezer-induced gray patches signals proper handling and freezing; uneven color may indicate temperature abuse or age.
Giblet inclusion
Whether the neck, gizzard, heart, or liver are included in the body cavity affects the buyer's portion planning and the final dish's flavor base.

Common Defects

Recorded defects for frozen whole chicken include Freezer burn, Broken bones, and Excessive ice crystals.

Freezer burn
Dry, whitish or grayish patches on the skin or meat surface caused by moisture loss where packaging is not airtight; it leads to tough, flavorless areas after cooking.
Broken bones
Exposed or splintered bones, especially in the drumsticks or wings, can result from rough handling during freezing or transport and may pose a physical hazard to consumers.
Excessive ice crystals
Large ice buildup inside the packaging indicates temperature fluctuation during storage or transport, which can degrade texture and increase drip loss on thawing.

Frozen Whole Chicken Facts and HS Code

Frozen whole chicken belongs to poultry within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 020712.

Frozen Whole Chicken HS Code

Also known as	whole broiler, whole chicken
Product type	Raw
Form	Fresh
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Poultry — Protein and dairy
HS codes	020712
HS6 description	Meat and edible offal; of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, not cut in pieces, frozen
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	BRA

Production & Handling

Frozen whole chicken storage guidance: Store frozen whole chickens at or below minus eighteen degrees Celsius in a clean, dry, and odor-free cold room. Maintain a consistent temperature to prevent thawing and refreezing, which can degrade texture and safety.

Production and Storage

Perishability	High
Temperature regime	Chilled
Storage conditions	Store frozen whole chickens at or below minus eighteen degrees Celsius in a clean, dry, and odor-free cold room. Maintain a consistent temperature to prevent thawing and refreezing, which can degrade texture and safety.
Production methods	Farmed
Processing steps	Chilling

Packaging

Typical frozen whole chicken packaging includes Polyethylene bag, Vacuum-sealed bag, and Corrugated carton with liner.

Polyethylene bag
A sealed plastic bag is the standard for retail and food service whole chickens, protecting the carcass from freezer burn and contamination while allowing easy handling.
Vacuum-sealed bag
Removing air before sealing minimizes oxidation and freezer burn, extending quality during longer frozen storage; often used for premium or export lots.
Corrugated carton with liner
For bulk food service packs, multiple bagged chickens are placed in a corrugated carton with a plastic liner, providing physical protection and ease of palletization.

Uses & Risks

Frozen whole chicken is used in Retail sale.

End Uses

Retail sale
Whole broiler sold fresh or chilled for home cooking

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Food service, Supermarkets

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Pathogen survival Food safetyHigh Bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter can be present on the raw carcass; if the chicken is not cooked to a safe internal temperature, these pathogens can cause foodborne illness.	Food safety	High	Cook the frozen or thawed chicken to an internal temperature that kills pathogens, and prevent cross-contamination with ready-to-eat foods in the kitchen.
Avian influenza outbreak DiseaseMedium An outbreak of avian influenza in a producing region can lead to trade restrictions, supply disruptions, and reduced availability of whole chickens.	Disease	Medium	Source from multiple approved suppliers and regions, and monitor official disease notifications to adjust procurement plans.
Temperature abuse during transport LogisticsMedium If the frozen chicken is exposed to temperatures above freezing for an extended period, partial thawing can occur, leading to ice crystal damage, texture loss, and increased microbial risk.	Logistics	Medium	Use refrigerated trucks with temperature monitoring, minimize door openings, and verify that the product arrives still frozen and hard.

Frozen Whole Chicken Questions

What is the exact definition of Whole broiler?: Whole broiler refers to the meat and edible offal of Gallus domesticus that is not cut into pieces and is supplied in a frozen state.
How should Whole broiler be stored to maintain quality?: It should be kept continuously frozen at temperatures of –18 °C or lower, protecting it from thaw‑free cycles and contamination.
Can Whole broiler be used directly for cooking, and what preparation is typical?: The frozen whole bird can be thawed under controlled conditions and then roasted, grilled, or boiled as a whole carcass.