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The USDA Shield – A Century of Trust in Every Cut

Jennifer Porter, Deputy Administrator, Livestock & Poultry Program, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is celebrating 100 years of its beef standards and grading service. With more than 90% of cattle graded annually, equating to 21 billion pounds of beef graded last year, AMS grading services deliver consistency, trust, value, and transparency across the...

Animals
Graphic showing 100 years of grading for beef

USDA Meat, Poultry and Egg Quality Grades Can Help Guide Your Summer Menu Choices

June 08, 2023 Jennifer Porter, Deputy Administrator, AMS Livestock and Poultry Program

As the warm weather approaches, so do days spent outside firing up the grill with friends and family. The month of May kicked off grilling season and whether you are shopping in the grocery store, or doing an online pickup order, there is one easy way to be assured that you’re getting what you paid...

Health and Safety

Shopping Online? Look for the USDA Grade Shield

August 18, 2020 Jennifer Porter, Deputy Administrator, AMS Livestock and Poultry Program

Whether you are shopping online or in the grocery store, the USDA grade shield on meat, poultry and eggs is a sign that the product meets certain voluntary national quality standards and has been graded by an USDA employee based on those standards.

Food and Nutrition

Get Grilling with USDA Grade A Chicken

August 28, 2019 Robert Paschal, USDA Grader, AMS

With so many choices in the grocery aisle, looking for the USDA Grade A shield on your poultry is an easy way to pick out the chicken with consistent and verified quality.

Health and Safety
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