Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 7/3/09

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service announced this week it is seeking comments on the agency's revised meat purchase specifications that provide standardized nomenclature and requirements for beef and pork.

The revisions are detailed in the publication, "Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) Series 100 — Fresh Beef and Series 400 — Fresh Pork." The revised, voluntary specs were developed in cooperation with industry stakeholders to better facilitate marketing efforts, AMS said.

The revisions reflect current industry practices and marketplace offerings for cuts of fresh beef and pork. Other revisions include material requirements and buyer-specified options clarifications. The drafts can be viewed by clicking here.  

Comments on the proposed revisions are due Aug. 7 and should be forwarded to: IMPS Revisions; Standards, Analysis and Technology Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA; 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 2607-S; Washington, D.C. 20250-0254. Comments also may be sent by fact to: (202) 354-4693 or by e-mail to: martin.oconnor@ams.usda.gov.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.