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Guide · Product

What Are Frozen Chicken Paws? Grades, Cuts & the China Market

Frozen chicken paws are the chicken foot, cut at the hock joint and frozen for export. Brazil is the world's largest chicken exporter, and paws are one of its major poultry exports — overwhelmingly to China and Hong Kong.

Paws, feet and “phoenix claws”

In the trade, a paw is the foot cut at the hock joint — skin, cartilage and small bones, with the cuticle removed. A chicken foot usually includes part of the shank. In China they are known as phoenix claws (鳳爪) and are a delicacy in dim sum and braised dishes, valued for their gelatinous texture. That demand is why China and Hong Kong dominate the global paw market — see our paws vs feet guide.

Grade A chicken paws specification

A representative export specification for Brazilian Grade A paws. Final parameters — calibre, glazing and packaging — are confirmed per contract and verified by independent inspection (SGS / Intertek) at loading.

GradeA
CutPaw — at hock joint
ProcessingIQF (individually quick frozen)
Glazing≤ 8–10%
Calibre20–35 g · 35–45 g · 45 g+
Broken / defects≤ 3% max
Storage temp−18 °C
Shelf life24 months

For the full breakdown of calibre, glazing and defect limits, see the Grade A specification guide.

How they're processed and packed

Paws are processed at SIF-registered (Brazilian federal inspection) plants, cleaned and de-cuticled, then IQF (individually quick frozen) and packed in 10 kg cartons with inner bags — roughly 26–27 MT per 40ft reefer container. For export to China, plants must also be registered with GACC; for the Gulf and MENA, halal certification applies. See the SIF, GACC & halal guide.

Buying chicken paws from Brazil

Duna Trading supplies Grade A frozen chicken paws and feet from SIF-registered, GACC-listed Brazilian plants, shipped worldwide under Incoterms 2020 (FOB · CFR · CIF), full −18 °C cold chain, DLC/SBLC payment (UCP 600) and inspection at loading. Tell us your product, quantity and destination and the São Paulo desk reverts with a quotation.

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Chicken paws — FAQ

Common questions about chicken paws.

What exactly is a chicken paw?

The chicken paw is the foot of the bird, cut at the hock joint — the section below the drumstick. It is mostly skin, cartilage and small bones. When the cut includes part of the shank/leg it is usually sold as a “chicken foot” rather than a paw.

Why does China buy so many chicken paws?

In Chinese cuisine chicken paws (“phoenix claws”, 鳳爪) are a prized delicacy — braised, served in dim sum and used in soups for their gelatinous texture. China and Hong Kong are by far the largest buyers, which is why most Brazilian paw exports head there.

Are chicken paws and chicken feet the same thing?

Not exactly. “Paw” usually means the foot cut at the hock (no shank); “feet” often include part of the leg. Both are Grade A and IQF — the right one depends on your market. See our paws vs feet guide.