Insta Cool Seeks to Use Plasma Gear to Freeze Chickens

Insta Cool Inc. of North America said it is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval to enter the $250-million-a-year market for frozen chickens with technology it now uses to freeze blood plasma.

Insta Cool, a development-stage company in Anaheim, said it has applied to the FDA for permission to market its product to freeze whole chickens sealed in bags--which represent about about 20% of the chicken market.

If it wins its current request, Insta Cool plans to seek approval to enter the uncovered chicken market, according to Jim Malloy, a spokesman for the company.

The FDA, which gave the company permission in March to market its cooling process for blood plasma, is expected to reach a decision by early next year, Malloy said.