What is required to be included on the label of a meat product?

The correct answer includes several essential components that must appear on the label of a meat product. These include the name of the product, which identifies what the consumer is purchasing, along with the inspection legend, which signifies that the product has been inspected and deemed safe for consumption by the USDA. The net weight is also required, informing consumers about the amount of product they are getting, an important factor during the purchase decision. Finally, handling instructions are included to guide consumers on how to properly store and handle the meat product, ensuring safety and quality.

The other options cover important aspects of food labeling but do not encompass the complete set of mandatory requirements specifically for meat products as established by USDA guidelines. The mention of the manufacturer and production date, while useful, is not a requirement across all meat products. Nutritional information is commonly required but varies based on the product type, and the expiration date is not a standard requirement for meat labeling, unlike the information provided in the correct choice. Lastly, while the species of the animal may be relevant, details such as the slaughter location are not typically mandated for labeling meat products.