Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 12/15/14


There is insufficient scientific evidence to support revisions to the U.S. Beef Grade Standards, three meat industry associations said in comments submitted to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

The comments made jointly by the American Meat Institute, North American Meat Association and U.S. Meat Export Federation were in response to an AMS proposal to consider revising beef grading standards to adjust for recent improvements and trends in animal raising and feeding. One driver is the advent of grass-fed beef, which has different attributes than grain-fed beef.

“Based upon our survey of relevant research related to beef quality and yield, there is a not a sufficient body of science available for the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to make an informed decision on proposed changes, even with input from interested parties,” the groups wrote. “The worst case scenario is for AMS to move forward with piecemeal revisions based upon insufficient science, conjecture, opinions and less than a systematic approach for evaluating all the scientific evidence.”

The groups said the United States enjoys the “gold standard” brand for beef grade standards and is the envy of world markets.
“For the foregoing reasons, AMS should move carefully and judiciously by relying on science and a systematic approach in proposing revisions to the beef grading standards,” the groups concluded.

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