USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking comments on its procedures related to the use of instrument technology in the official meat grading program.
The proposed changes outline enhancements to ensure USDA grading is delivered with consistency and accuracy.
Specifically, AMS proposes guidance when new instruments come out or instruments undergo significant changes and must go through a complete review process. Additionally, AMS has developed new guidance for continual in-plant monitoring and improved data sharing.
The proposed changes come after recommendations from the American Meat Science Association Grading Committee, which ensures the grading system’s accuracy, consistency and integrity.
Documents outlining the proposed changes can be found at www.ams.usda.gov by searching for “carcass instrument gradin.” Comments should be submitted to Dr. Willy Horne, AMS Livestock and Poultry Program, at willy.horne@usda.gov by Feb. 17.
