Ratpacking is a term that means putting good
product on top of the box with lesser quality product in the lower
half of the box. When the box is first opened and inspected
it looks good, however, after they work their way down the quality
also goes down. This is something that was carried over from
the old days and is very seldom done anymore, especially with the high
quality packers that are in the market today. However, it used to be
done with produce, bacon, portion cut steaks and chops. Today
packers separate the number two product or inferior product and sell it
at a reduced price rather than taking a chance on hurting their
reputation.
Ratpaking