Which statement best defines the USDA quality grading system?

Which statement best defines the USDA quality grading system?

• A. All meat and poultry must meet strict quality standards to be sold in the US marketplace.
• B. Quality grading of meat and poultry is a voluntary process.
• C. Quality grading and inspection for wholesomeness are both mandatory for meat to enter into the marketplace.
• D. Quality grading is a free service provided by the USDA.

Answer: (B)

Quality grading is a voluntary service offered by USDA to indicate the overall quality of meat and poultry, such as beef grades Prime, Choice, and Select or poultry grades A, B, and C. Producers opt to have their products graded and pay for the service to communicate quality to buyers and consumers. In contrast, safety inspection to ensure wholesomeness is mandatory for meat and poultry before sale. So, the statement that quality grading is voluntary correctly captures how the system works.

Quality grading is a voluntary service offered by USDA to indicate the overall quality of meat and poultry, such as beef grades Prime, Choice, and Select or poultry grades A, B, and C. Producers opt to have their products graded and pay for the service to communicate quality to buyers and consumers. In contrast, safety inspection to ensure wholesomeness is mandatory for meat and poultry before sale. So, the statement that quality grading is voluntary correctly captures how the system works.