Which government agency oversees meat quality grading?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for overseeing meat quality grading. The USDA has established standards and processes for grading meat based on factors such as tenderness, juiciness, and flavor, which help ensure that consumers receive high-quality products. The agency employs trained inspectors who assess meat based on these criteria and assign grades such as Prime, Choice, and Select. This grading system is important for the beef, pork, lamb, and poultry industries, as it helps producers market their products and allows consumers to make informed choices.

In contrast, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily oversees the safety and labeling of food products, including some aspects of poultry but not meat grading, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses on environmental protection and regulation. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is concerned with oceanic and atmospheric conditions rather than meat grading or agriculture. Therefore, the USDA is the clear authority on meat quality grading.