Which of the following is NOT an unsatisfactory characteristic associated with the inspection of meat and poultry subsistence items?

The characteristic of size is not considered an unsatisfactory aspect when inspecting meat and poultry subsistence items. When conducting inspections, quality control focuses on factors that directly impact food safety and consumer acceptance. Odor, color, and slime are all critical indicators of the freshness and quality of meat products.

For instance, an unusual or foul odor can indicate spoilage or contamination, whereas color changes may suggest deterioration or improper storage conditions. The presence of slime is often a sign of microbial growth, signifying that the meat is no longer safe for consumption. In contrast, size does not inherently affect the safety or quality of meat and poultry, which is why it is not included as a measure of unsatisfactory characteristics during inspections. This emphasizes the importance of assessing the more significant factors that impact food safety and quality.