USDA seeks comments on proposed revisions to procedures related to red meat instrument grading

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is extending the deadline for receiving comments on its procedures related to the use of instrument technology in the official meat grading program to May 1, 2023. AMS announced on Jan. 4, 2023, that it was seeking comments on several key enhancements to ensure USDA grading is delivered with the highest levels of consistency and accuracy. The original deadline for comments was Feb.17, 2023.

AMS is proposing more clarity about when new (or previously approved instruments that have undergone major changes) must go through a complete review process and how the instrument must perform. For example, AMS is proposing that all cameras be reviewed in evaluating both USDA Quality and Yield grade factors. In addition to updates to existing protocol, AMS is proposing several new requirements. For example, in a new document, AMS has outlined the installation process for entities that will use the technology as an aid for USDA grading (e.g., packers). Additionally, AMS has developed new guidance for continual in-plant monitoring and for improved data sharing. These new procedures address issues related to performance in a production environment to ensure ongoing confidence in the technology and the USDA grading program as whole. AMS is also making administrative changes and is proposing to consolidate five previous guidance documents into one new document entitled “Instrument Approval Process, Instrument Grading Systems for Beef Carcasses”.