The classes of turkey meat as determined by appearance are as follows:

1. (a) “Fryer” or “roaster” means a young, immature turkey (usually under 16 weeks of age) of either sex, that is tender meated with soft, pliable, smooth-textured skin, and flexible breastbone.
2. (b) “Young turkey” means a turkey (usually under eight months of age) that is tender meated with soft, pliable, smooth-textured skin, and breastbone cartilage that is somewhat less flexible than in a turkey fryer or roaster. For labeling purposes, the designation of sex within the class name is optional.
3. (c) “Yearling hen turkey” means a fully matured female turkey (usually under 15 months of age) that is reasonably tender meated and with reasonably smooth-textured skin.
4. (d) “Yearling tom turkey” means a fully matured male turkey (usually under 15 months of age) that is reasonably tender meated and with reasonably smooth-textured skin.
5. (e) “Mature turkey” or “old turkey (hen or tom)” means an old turkey of either sex (usually in excess of 15 months of age) with coarse skin and toughened flesh.