INSTITUTIONAL 

MEAT PURCHASE 

SPECIFICATIONS

FRESH BEEF SERIES 

100

DRAFT 9-30-2020

Supersedes Edition Effective November 2014.
2

Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications 

Fresh Beef - Series 100

Contents

Section Title Page Section Title Page

1.0 Introduction 3 4.1 Contact Information 20

1.1 IMPS Documents 3 5.0 Material Requirements 20

1.2 Contact Information 3 6.0 Quality 20

2.0 IMPS Ordering Checklist 4 6.1 Excellent Condition 20

2.1 Checklist Elements 4 6.2 Lean Quality 21

3.0 Ordering Data to be Specified by the Purchaser 4 6.3 Workmanship 21

3.1 Item No., PSO’s & Special Instructions 4 6.4 Fat Trimming 21

3.1.1 Abbreviations 4 6.4.1 Peeled/Denuded 22

3.1.2 Added Ingredients 5 6.4.2 Peeled/Denuded, Surface Membrane 

Removed 22

3.1.3 Mechanical Tenderization 6 6.4.3 Cuts & Roast Items 22

3.1.4 Aging 6 6.4.4 Bridging & Planing 22

3.2 Grade & Special Requirements 6 6.4.5 Diced & Portion-Cut Items 23

3.2.1 Categories 6 6.4.6 Seam Fat 23

3.2.2 Contact Information 7 6.5 Objectionable Materials 24

3.2.3 Grade Designations 7 6.5.1 Specified Risk Materials 24

3.3 State of Refrigeration 8 7.0 Diagrams 25

3.4 Fat Limitations 8 7.1 Beef Side Skeletal Diagram 25

3.4.1 Carcasses & Quarters 8 7.2 Beef Side Primal Diagram 26

3.4.2 Cuts, Roasts, Diced & Special Trim Items 8 7.3 Primal Separations Diagram 27

3.4.3 Portion-Cuts 9 7.3.1 Rib-Chuck Separation 28

3.4.4 Comminuted Products & Trimmings 9 7.3.2 Chuck-Brisket Separation 29

3.4.5 Fat Content Verification 9 7.3.3 Rib-Loin Separation 30

3.5 Portion-Cut Weight, Thickness & Shape 10 7.3.4 Short Plate-Rib Separation 31

3.5.1 Weight & Thickness 10 7.3.5 Short Loin-Sirloin Separation 32

3.5.2 Shape 11 7.3.6 Loin-Round Separation 33

3.6 Weight Range 11 8.0 Cut Descriptions 34

3.7 Netting & Tying 19 8.1 Myology 34

3.8 Packing & Packaging 19 8.2 Foodservice Cut Descriptions 34

3.9 Quality Assurance 20 8.3 Portion Cut Descriptions 67

4.0 USDA Certification & Verification 20
3

1.0 Introduction

1.1 IMPS Documents

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Agricultural 

Marketing Service (AMS) develops and maintains the Institutional Meat Purchase 

Specifications (IMPS) for meat and meat products. The complete IMPS series 

includes the following 11 documents:

General Requirements (GR)

Quality Assurance Provisions (QAP)

Fresh Beef Series 100

Fresh Lamb Series 200

Fresh Veal and Calf Series 300

Fresh Pork Series 400

Cured, Cured and Smoked, and Fully Cooked Pork Products Series 500

Cured, Dried, and Smoked Beef Products Series 600

Variety Meats and By-Products Series 700

Sausage Products Series 800

Fresh Goat Series 11

1.2 Contact Information

These specifications are recommended for use by any meat product procuring 

activity.

For assurance that procured items comply with these detailed requirements, AMS, 

through its Livestock and Poultry (LP) program provides a voluntary meat 

certification service and a process verification program. For labeling purposes, only 

producers who have meat products certified according to the IMPS or operate 

under an approved IMPS process verified program may use the letters "IMPS" on 

the product label.

Purchasers desiring these services should contact:

USDA, AMS, LP Program

1400 Independence Ave, SW, Room 3932, Stop 0258

Washington, DC 20250

Phone: (202) 720-5705
4

2.0 IMPS Ordering Checklist

2.1 Checklist Elements

The following checklist will assist the purchaser in providing contractual language 

necessary to describe the IMPS product and service desired. Each element within 

the checklist is further defined within Section 3.0 - Ordering Data to be Specified 

by thePurchaser.

Item Number

Special instructions

Purchaser Specified Option (PSO) Added ingredients

Mechanical Tenderization Aging

Grade and Special Requirements

State of Refrigeration (See IMPS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.) Chilled

Frozen

Fat Limitations

Portion Cut Weight, Thickness, and Shape Weight Range

Netting and Tying

Packaging and Packing (See IMPS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.)

Quality Assurance (See IMPS QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS.)

Method of examination

Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL’s) Certification - (See IMPS GR and QAP.)

3.0 Ordering Data to be Specified by the Purchaser

3.1 Item Number, PSO’s & Special Instructions

The purchaser must specify: (1) IMPS item number and product name to be 

purchased, and if applicable, (2) PSO’s, (3) added ingredients, applicable options, 

modifications, and special instructions to the requirements of the IMPS.

3.1.1 Abbreviations

In conjunction with other markings that may be required in the GR and by Meat and 

Poultry Inspection Regulations, the IMPS item number, “Beef”, and the product

name listed above must be used for marking of shipping containers. Abbreviation 

of the product name is recommended. Abbreviations, when used, must be as

follows:
5

Bone in – Bn-in Intermediate - Inter Short Cut – Sh Cut

Boneless - Bnls Individual Muscle - IM Shoulder - Shld

Center Cut - Cntr Cut Neck off – Nk-off Sirloin - Sirln

Cover - Cov Not to Exceed - NTE Skinned - Sknd

Deckle – Dkle Oven-Prepared –

Oven-Prep Special - Sp

Defatted - Dfatd Partially - Part Square Cut – Sq-Cut

Denuded - Dnd Peeled - Pld Steak - Stk

Diamond – Dia Porterhouse - Prthse Tenderloin - Tender

Divided – Div Portion - Portn Triangle Tip – Tri Tip

Extra - Ex Regular – Reg Trimmed - Trmd

Fresh - Fr Roast-Ready – Rst-Rdy Untrimmed - Untrmd

Frozen - Frz Roast - Rst

Ground - Grnd Round - Rnd

The product names and abbreviations listed in this series have been reviewed and

approved by USDA; FSIS; Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD); 

Labeling and Program Delivery Staff, Washington D.C.

3.1.2 Added Ingredients

To enhance product performance, the purchaser may specify ingredients to be 

added to any IMPS fresh beef item. Ingredients may be added by immersion or 

injection. The purchaser may specify any one of the following levels of added 

ingredients within a purchase order:

Option No. Maximum Percentage of Added Ingredients

1 7%

2 10%

3 12%

4 15%

5 ≥15%

The use of ingredients, method of addition, and product labeling must comply with 

FSIS Regulations and Policies.
6

3.1.3 Mechanical Tenderization

To enhance the tenderness of beef products, the purchaser may specify roasts or

raw materials to be made into portion cuts to be mechanically tenderized. When 

specified, the roast or raw materials to be portioned must be mechanically 

tenderized by using the multiple probe method (pinning) not more than one time.

3.1.4 Aging

The purchaser must specify the aging type and time desired. For assistance in

specifying these parameters, use the following tables.

Type Description

Wet Aging

Meat is vacuum-packaged in a high moisture-impermeable 

bag and stored in cooler conditions (33 - 36oF) for a 

specified length of time.

Dry Aging

Meat is unpackaged and directly exposed to cooler conditions 

with designated temperature (33 - 36oF), humidity (85 – 90%) 

and air-flow (positive) controls.

Time Description

0 – 5 days Green

5 – 7 days Moderately aged

7 – 15 days Aged

>15 days Extremely aged

3.2 Grade & Special Requirements

3.2.1 Categories

The purchaser may specify any combination of the following grade and special 

requirement categories when ordering. NOTE: Only one selection per category, 

per order.

Category
7

Quality 

Grade*

U.S.

Prime

U.S.

Choice

U.S.

Select

U.S.

Standard

U.S.

Commercial

U.S.

Utility

U.S.

Cutter

U.S.

Canner Other

Yield 

Grade** 1 2 3 4 5

Breed 

Certification As Specified by Purchaser

Marbling As Specified by Purchaser

Maturity As Specified by Purchaser

Carcass Wt. 

Range As Specified by Purchaser

Specified 

Risk 

Materials 

Removal

As Specified by Purchaser

Diet*** As Specified by Purchaser

*Quality grades predict palatability of lean and are applied to carcasses. They are

determined by evaluation of carcass maturity and quality of lean.

**Yield grades predict the yield of closely trimmed boneless retail cuts to be 

derived from the major wholesale cuts.

***The diet category will allow the purchaser to specify the ingredients included in 

the animal’s ration.

3.2.2 Contact Information

The purchaser may request documentation from the vendor, stating that cuts are 

derived from carcasses meeting the special requirements. For certification of the 

special requirements, a verification program must be in place. Contact the Meat 

Grading and Certification Branch for development of verification programs (refer to 

Section 1.2 – Contact Information).

3.2.3 Grade Designations

Official grade designations will appear in any one or any combination of the 

following ways: (1) shipping container markings, or (2) on individual bags or

wrapping material. The processor must comply with Food Safety and Inspection 

Service (FSIS) grade labelingprocedures.

3.3 State of Refrigeration
8

Purchaser must specify the state of refrigeration (chilled or frozen) for delivery of 

product. (See IMPS GR.)

3.4 Fat Limitations

3.4.1 Carcasses & Quarters

The purchaser must specify yield grade and/or maximum fat thickness as 

described below.

3.4.2 Cuts, Roasts, Diced, & Special Trim Items

The purchaser must specify maximum surface fat thickness requirements unless 

fat limitations for surface and/or seam fat are indicated in the item descriptions. 

Maximum fat thickness requirements may be specified in terms of “average” or “at 

any one point”. Alternative “average” and/or “at any one point” fat limitations may 

bespecified.

Option 

No. Maximum Average Thickness Maximum At Any One Point

1 3⁄4-inch (19 mm) "Commodity trim" 1.0 inch (25 mm)

2 1⁄4-inch (6 mm) 1⁄2-inch (13 mm)

3 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) 1⁄4-inch (6 mm)

4 Practically Free (75% lean/seam surface 

exposed) 1⁄8-inch (3 mm)

5 Peeled/Denuded* (remaining fat must not 

exceed 1.0 inch (25 mm) in the longest 

dimension and/or 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) in thickness)

1⁄8-inch (3 mm)

6 Peeled/Denuded, Surface Membrane 

Removed* (90% lean exposed) 1⁄8-inch (3 mm)

*See Section 6.4.

Note: When average fat thicknesses are specified by the purchaser or in item 

descriptions, the appropriate "Maximum at Any One Point" limitation must apply.

3.4.3 Portion-Cuts

The purchaser must specify the maximum (at any one point) thickness of surface 
9

fat on the edges of the steak unless fat limitations for surface and/or seam fat are

indicated in the detailed item descriptions. Alternative fat limitations may be

specified. If not specified, surface fat thickness must not exceed 1⁄4-inch (6 mm) at 

any one point.

Option No. Maximum At Any One Point

1 1⁄4-inch (6 mm)

2 1⁄8-inch (3 mm)

3 Practically free (75% lean/seam surface exposed and 

remaining fat must not exceed 1⁄8-inch (3 mm))

4 Peeled/Denuded* (remaining fat must not exceed 1.0 inch 

(25 mm) in the longest dimension and/or 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) in 

thickness))

5 Peeled/Denuded, Surface Membrane Removed* (90% lean 

exposed and remaining fat must not exceed 1⁄8-inch (3 mm))

*See Section 6.4.

3.4.4 Comminuted Products & Trimmings

Fat limitations for these items must be expressed in terms of a fat content

percentage. Fat content describes the percentage of fat present in the product. 

Unless otherwise specified, the fat content must not exceed 22 percent. However, 

the purchaser may specify any fat content provided it does not exceed 30 percent 

and may specify discountranges.

The purchaser must specify the fat content analysis to be determined on a (1) 

composite analysis, or (2) average analysis method (as defined within the IMPS

QAP.) If the purchaser does not specify either method, the procedures for average

fat content analysis method must be used.

3.4.5 Fat Content Verification

The fat content must be specified by the purchaser and verified by one or any

combination of the following PSO’s. If not specified, the fat content must be verified 

with PSO #2 requirements.

Option No. Fat Content
10

1

Fat content must be declared on the product label along 

with a nutrition facts panel in accordance with FSIS 

regulations

2 Contractor must submit documentation of fat analysis to 

purchaser

3 Fat content certified by AMS (see QAP.)

4 Samples selected by AMS and sent to purchaser designated 

laboratory

3.5 Portion Cut Weight, Thickness & Shape

3.5.1 Weight & Thickness

The purchaser must specify the portion weight and/or thickness desired. For

assistance in specifying weight, see weight range tables. Unless other portion 

weight and/or thickness tolerances are specified by the purchaser, the following

tables must be used. When both weight and thickness are specified, it is 

recommended that those requirements be limited to items that are mechanically 

pressed and/or sliced.

Portion Thickness Tolerances*

Specified Thickness Thickness Tolerance Thickness 

Uniformity

1 inch (25 mm) or less +/- 3/16-inch (5 mm) 3/16-inch (5 

)

More than 1 inch (25 mm) +/- 1⁄4-inch (6 mm) 1⁄4-inch (6 mm)

* Thickness measurements are not applicable within 1⁄4-inch (6 mm) ofthe edge. 

Also, value listed under thickness uniformity is the maximum allowable difference

between the thinnest and thickest measurement of an individual steak.

Portion Weight Tolerances

Specified Weight Weight 

Tolerance

Thickness 

Uniformity*

Less than 6.0 ounces (170 g) +/- 1⁄4 oz. (7 g) 3/16-inch (5 mm)

6.0 (170 g) to 12.0 ounces (340 

g) +/- 1⁄2 oz. (14 g) 1⁄4-inch (6 mm)
11

12.01 (341 g) to 24.0 ounces 

(680 g) +/- 3⁄4 oz. (21 g) 3⁄8-inch (9 mm)

24.01 ounces (681 g) or more +/- 1 oz. (28 g) 1⁄2-inch (13 mm)

3.5.2 Shape

Unless otherwise specified, the shape of whole muscle portions cuts must

resemble the approximate shape relative to the cut of origin. Cubed and braising 

steaks which are mechanically pressed and sliced must be uniform in shape. 

Unless otherwise specified, patties must be round.

3.6 Weight Range

Purchaser must specify IMPS item number, product name, and weight range to be 

purchased. The following weight ranges are intended as guidelines. Carcass 

weights are not necessarily related to the weight of cuts within their 

respectiveweight range. Other weights or ranges may be specified.

Item 

No. Product Name

Weight Ranges (Pounds) Page 

A B C D E No.

100 Carcass 600-700 700-800 800-900 900-1000 1000-up 33

100A Carcass, Trimmed 576-672 672-768 768-864 864-960 960-up 33

101 Side 300-350 350-400 400-450 450-500 500-up 33

102 Forequarter 157-183 183-210 210-236 236-262 262-up 33

102A Forequarter, Boneless 125-146 146-167 167-188 188-209 209-up 33

103 Rib, Primal 27-32 32-36 36-41 41-46 46-up 33

103A Rib, Regular 21-25 25-28 28-32 32-36 36-up 34

104 Rib, Oven-Prepared, Regular 22-26 26-30 30-33 33-37 37-up 34

107 Rib, Oven-Prepared 21-24 24-28 28-31 31-34 34-up 34

107A Rib, Oven-Prepared, Blade Bone In 21-24 24-28 28-31 31-34 34-up 34

108 Rib, Oven-Prepared, Boneless 16-19 19-21 21-24 24-27 27-up 34

109 Rib, Roast-Ready 17-19 19-22 22-25 25-28 28-up 35

109A Rib, Roast-Ready, Special 17-19 19-22 22-25 25-28 28-up 35

109B Rib, Blade Meat 2-up 35

109C Rib, Roast-Ready, Cover Off 15-18 18-20 20-23 23-26 26-up 35

109D Rib, Roast-Ready, Cover Off, Short Cut 

(Export Style) 15-17 17-20 20-22 22-24 24-up 36

109E Rib, Ribeye Roll, Lip-On, Bone In 14-16 16-19 19-21 21-23 23-up 36

110 Rib, Roast-Ready, Boneless 14-16 16-19 19-21 21-23 23-up 36

Product Name Weight Ranges (Pounds)
12

Item 

No

A B C D E Page 

N 111 Rib, Spencer Roll 13-15 15-17 17-19 19-21 21-up 36

112 Rib, Ribeye Roll 7-8 8-9 9-10 10-11 11-up 36

112A Rib, Ribeye Roll, Lip-On 11-12 12-14 14-16 16-18 18-up 36

112C Rib, Ribeye (IM) 6-7 7-8 8-9 9-10 10-up 37

112D Rib, Ribeye Cap (IM) 3-4 4-up 37

113 Chuck, Square-Cut 83-96 96-110 110-124 124-138 138-up 37

113A Chuck, Square-Cut, Divided 79-93 93-106 106-119 119-132 132-up 37

113B Chuck, Square-Cut, Neck-Off, 

Divided 41-48 48-55 55-62 62-69 69-up 37

113C Chuck, Square-Cut, Neck-Off, 2 

Piece, Semi Boneless 39-46 46-52 52-59 59-66 66-up 37

114 Chuck, Shoulder (Clod) 15-18 18-20 20-23 23-26 26-up 37

114A Chuck, Shoulder Roast 15-18 18-20 20-23 23-26 26-up 38

114B Chuck, Shoulder Roast, Special 15-18 18-20 20-23 23-26 26-up 38

114C Chuck, Shoulder (Clod), Trimmed, (2-

Piece)

15-17 17-20 20-22 22-24 24-up 38

114D Chuck, Shoulder (Clod), Top Blade 3-down 3-4 4-up 38

114E Chuck, Shoulder (Clod), Arm Roast 9-10 10-12 12-13 13-14 14-up 39

114F Chuck, Shoulder, Tender (IM) 1-down 1-up 39

114G Chuck, Shoulder, Arm, Center Cut (IM) 5-6 6-7 7-8 8-up 39

115 Chuck, Square-Cut, Boneless 65-76 76-87 87-98 98-109 109-up 39

115A Chuck, Blade Portion, Boneless 26-30 30-35 35-39 39-43 43-up 39

115B Chuck, Arm-Out, Boneless 41-47 47-54 54-61 61-68 68-up 39

115C Chuck, Square-Cut, Neck-Off, 

Boneless 59-69 69-79 79-89 89-99 99-up 39

115D Chuck, Square-Cut, Pectoral Meat 

(IM) 4-down 4-up 40

116 Chuck, Square-Cut, Clod-Out, 

Boneless 49-57 57-65 65-73 73-81 81-up 40

116A Chuck, Chuck Roll 17-19 19-22 22-25 25-28 28-up 40

116B Chuck, Chuck Tender 3-down 3-up 40

116C Chuck, Chuck Roll, 

Untrimmed 18-21 21-24 24-27 27-30 30-up 41

116D Chuck, Chuck Eye Roll 9-11 11-12 12-14 14-16 16-up 41

116E Chuck, Under Blade Roast 9-11 11-12 12-14 14-16 16-up 41

116F Chuck, Under Blade, Flat Cut (IM) 4-down 4-up 41
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Item 

No. Product Name

Weight Ranges (Pounds) Page 

A B C D E No.

116G Chuck, Under Blade, Center Cut (IM) 4-down 4-up 41

116H Chuck, Chuck Eye (IM) 4-down 4-up 42

116I Chuck, Neck Roast 4-down 4-up 42

116K Chuck Roll, 3-Way 13-16 16-18 18-20 20-22 22-up 42

117 Foreshank 9-10 10-12 12-13 13-14 14-up 42

118 Brisket 15-17 17-20 20-22 22-24 24-up 42

119 Brisket, Deckle-On, Boneless 10-12 12-13 13-15 15-17 17-up 42

120 Brisket, Deckle-Off, Boneless 9-11 11-12 12-14 14-16 16-up 42

120A Brisket, Flat Cut, Boneless (IM) 7-8 8-9 9-10 10-11 11-up 43

120B Brisket, Point Cut, Boneless (IM) 4-down 4-5 5-6 6-7 7-up 43

120C Brisket, 2 Piece, Boneless 8-9 9-11 11-12 12-13 13-up 43

121 Plate, Short Plate 27-31 31-36 36-40 40-44 44-up 43

121A Plate, Short Plate, Boneless 14-16 16-19 19-21 21-23 23-up 43

121B Plate, Short Plate, Trimmed, 

Boneless 12-14 14-16 16-18 18-20 20-up 43

121C Plate, Outside Skirt (IM) 1-down 1-2 2-up 43

121D Plate, Inside Skirt (IM) 2-down 2-up 43

121E Plate, Outside Skirt (IM), 

Skinned

2-down 2-3 3-up 43

121F Plate, Short Plate, Short Ribs 

Removed 24-28 28-32 32-36 36-40 40-up 43

121G Plate, Short Plate, Short Ribs 

Removed, Boneless 12-14 14-16 16-18 18-20 20-up 44

122 Plate, Full 38-44 44-51 51-57 57-63 63-up 44

122A Plate, Full, Boneless 25-30 30-34 34-38 38-42 42-up 44

123 Short Ribs 3-4 4-5 5-up 44

123A Short Plate, Short Ribs, 

Trimmed Amount as Specified 44

123B Rib, Short Ribs, Trimmed Amount as Specified 44

123C Rib, Short Ribs Amount as Specified 45

123D Short Ribs, Boneless 4-down 4-up 45

124 Rib, Back Ribs Amount as Specified 45

124A Rib, Back Rib, Rib Fingers Amount as Specified 45

124B Plate, Rib Fingers Amount as Specified 45

125 Chuck, Armbone 88-103 103-117 117-132 132-147 147-up 45

126 Chuck, Armbone, Boneless 69-81 81-92 92-104 104-116 116-up 45

126A Chuck, Armbone, Clod-Out, 

Boneless 59-69 69-79 79-89 89-99 99-up 46
14

Item 

No. Product Name

Weight Ranges (Pounds) Page 

A B C D E No.

127 Chuck, Cross-Cut 103-121 121-138 138-155 155-172 172-up 46

128 Chuck, Cross-Cut, Boneless 81-95 95-108 108-122 122-136 136-up 46

130 Chuck, Short Ribs 3-4 4-5 5-up 46

130A Chuck, Short Ribs, Boneless 2-3 3-up 46

132 Triangle 129-150 150-172 172-193 193-214 214-up 46

133 Triangle, Boneless 101-117 117-134 134-151 151-168 168-up 47

134 Beef Bones Amount as Specified 47

135 Diced Beef Amount as Specified 47

135A Beef for Stewing Amount as Specified 47

135B Beef for Kabobs Amount as Specified 47

135C Beef for Stir Fry Amount as Specified 48

136 Ground Beef Amount as Specified 48

136A Ground Beef and Soy Protein Product 

Patty Mix Amount as Specified 49

136C Beef Patty Mix, NTE 10% Fat Amount as Specified 50

136D Pure Beef Amount as Specified 50

137 Ground Beef, Special Amount as Specified 50

137A Ground Beef and Soy Protein 

Product, Special Amount as Specified 51

138 Beef Trimmings Amount as Specified 51

139 Special Trim, Boneless Amount as specified 52

140 Hanging Tender (IM) 1-down 1-up 52

155 Hindquarter 143-166 166-190 190-214 214-238 238-up 52

155A Hindquarter, Boneless 108-126 126-144 144-162 162-180 180-up 52

157 Hindshank 9-10 10-12 12-13 13-14 14-up 52

158 Round, Primal 71-83 83-95 95-107 107-119 119-up 53

158A Round, Diamond-Cut 76-89 89-101 101-114 114-127 127-up 53

158B Round, NY Style 63-74 74-84 84-95 95-106 106-up 53

159 Round, Primal, Boneless 53-62 62-71 71-80 80-89 89-up 53

160 Round, Shank-Off, Partially 

Boneless 57-67 67-76 76-86 86-96 96-up 53

160A Round, Diamond Cut, Shank Off, 

Partially Boneless 60-70 70-80 80-90 90-100 100-up 54

160B Round, Heel and Shank Out, SemiBoneless 45-53 53-60 60-68 68-76 76-up 54

161 Round, Shank Off, Boneless 53-61 61-70 70-79 79-88 88-up 54

161A Round, Diamond Cut, Shank Off, 

Boneless 53-62 62-71 71-80 80-89 89-up 54

161B Round, Heel and Shank Off, Without 

Sirloin Tip, Boneless 37-44 44-50 50-56 56-62 62-up 54
15

Item 

No. Product Name

Weight Ranges (Pounds) Page 

A B C D E No.

163 Round, Shank Off, 3-Way, Boneless 50-58 58-67 67-75 75-83 83-up 54

163A Round, Shank Off, 3-Way, Untrimmed, 

Boneless 50-58 58-67 67-75 75-83 83-up 55

164 Round, Rump and Shank Off 48-56 56-64 64-72 72-80 80-up 55

165 Round, Rump and Shank Off, 

Boneless 43-50 50-57 57-64 64-71 71-up 55

165A Round, Rump and Shank Off, 

Boneless, Special 45-53 53-60 60-68 68-76 76-up 55

165B Round, Rump and Shank Off, 

Boneless, Special 45-53 53-60 60-68 68-76 76-up 55

166 Round, Rump and Shank Off, 

Boneless 43-50 50-57 57-64 64-71 71-up 55

166A Round, Rump Partially 

Removed, Shank Off 53-61 61-70 70-79 79-88 88-up 55

166B Round, Rump and Shank Partially Off, 

Handle On 53-61 61-70 70-79 79-88 88-up 56

167 Round, Sirloin Tip(Knuckle) 8-9 9-11 11-12 12-13 13-up 56

167A Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Peeled 7-9 9-10 10-11 11-12 12-up 56

167B Round, Full Sirloin Tip 12-14 14-16 16-18 18-20 20-up 56

167C Round, Sirloin (Full) Tip 11-13 13-15 15-17 17-19 19-up 57

167D Round, Sirloin Tip, Peeled, 2-Piece 8-9 9-11 11-12 12-13 13-up 57

167E Round, Sirloin Tip, Center Roast (IM) 3-4 4-5 5-up 57

167F Round, Sirloin Tip, Side Roast (IM) 3-down 3-4 4-up 57

168 Round, Top (Inside), 

Untrimmed 17-20 20-23 23-26 26-29 29-up 57

169 Round, Top (Inside) 17-19 19-22 22-25 25-28 28-up 57

169A Round, Top (Inside), Cap Off 15-18 18-20 20-23 23-26 26-up 58

169B Round, Top (Inside), Cap (IM) 2-3 3-up 58

169C Round, Top (Inside), Front Side (IM) 1-down 1-up 58

169D Round, Top (Inside) Soft Side 

Removed 16-19 19-21 21-24 24-27 27-up 58

169E Round, Top (Inside) (IM) 4-5 5-up 58

170 Round, Bottom (Gooseneck) 22-26 26-29 26-33 33-37 37-up 58

170A Round, Bottom (Gooseneck), Heel 

Out 21-24 24-28 28-31 31-34 34-up 58

171 Round, Bottom (Gooseneck), 

Untrimmed 21-25 25-28 28-32 32-36 36-up 59

171A Round, Bottom (Gooseneck), 

Untrimmed, Heel Out 21-24 24-28 28-31 31-34 34-up 59

171B Round, Outside Round (Flat) 11-13 13-15 15-17 17-19 19-up 59

171C Round, Eye of Round (IM) 5-down 5-6 6-7 7-8 8-up 59

171D Round, Outside Round, Side Muscle 

Removed (IM) 9-11 11-12 12-14 14-16 16-up 59
16

Item 

No. Product Name

Weight Ranges (Pounds) Page 

A B C D E No.

171E Round, Outside Round, Side Roast 

(IM) 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-up 59

171F Round, Outside Round, Heel 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-up 59

171G Round, Outside Round, Rump (IM) 5-down 5-6 6-7 7-up 60

172 Loin, Full Loin, Trimmed 38-45 45-52 52-58 58-64 64-up 60

172A Loin, Full Loin, Diamond Cut, 

Trimmed 43-50 50-57 57-64 64-71 71-up 60

173 Loin, Short Loin 26-30 30-35 35-39 39-43 43-up 60

174 Loin, Short Loin, Short-Cut 21-25 25-28 28-32 32-36 36-up 60

175 Loin, Strip Loin 15-18 18-20 20-23 23-26 26-up 61

176 Loin, Steak Tails 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-up 61

180 Loin, Strip Loin, Boneless 9-11 11-12 12-14 14-16 16-up 61

181 Loin, Sirloin 21-24 24-28 28-31 31-34 34-up 62

181A Loin, Top Sirloin 14-16 16-19 19-21 21-23 23-up 62

182 Loin, Sirloin Butt, Boneless 14-16 16-19 19-21 21-23 23-up 62

183 Loin, Sirloin Butt, Trimmed, 

Boneless 11-13 13-15 15-17 17-19 19-up 63

184 Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, 

Boneless 9-11 11-12 12-14 14-16 16-up 63

184A Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Semi CenterCut, Boneless 9-11 11-12 12-14 14-16 16-up 63

184B

Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, CenterCut, Cap Off (IM), Boneless 8-9 9-11 11-12 12-13 13-up 63

184C Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, 

Untrimmed, Boneless 10-12 12-13 13-15 15-17 17-up 63

184D Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Cap (IM) 1-2 2-up 63

184E Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, 2-Piece 9-11 11-12 12-14 14-16 16-up 64

184F

Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Center-Cut, 

Seamed, Dorsal Side (IM) 3-4 4-up 64

185 Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Boneless 6-7 7-8 8-9 9-10 10-up 64

185A Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Flap, Boneless 

(IM) 2-down 2-3 3-up 64

185B Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Ball Tip, 

Boneless 1-2 2-up 64

185C Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip, 

Boneless (IM) 2-down 2-3 3-up 64

185D Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip, 

Defatted, Boneless 3-down 3-4 4-up 64

186 Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Trimmed, 

Boneless 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-up 65

188 Loin, Tenderloin, Bone-in 4-5 5-6 6-7 7-up 65

189 Loin, Tenderloin, Full 5-6 6-7 7-8 8-9 9-up 65

189A Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle On, 

Defatted 5-down 5-6 6-7 7-8 8-up 65
17

Item 

No. Product Name

Weight Ranges (Pounds) Page 

A B C D E No.

189B Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle 

On, Partially Defatted 4-5 5-6 6-7 7-up 65

190 Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle Off, 

Defatted 3-4 4-up 65

190A Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle Off, 

Skinned 4-5 5-6 6-7 7-up 65

190B

Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle Off, 

Center-Cut, Skinned (IM) 2-down 2-up 65

191 Loin, Tenderloin, Butt 2-down 2-3 3-up 66

191A Loin, Tenderloin Butt, Defatted 3-down 3-4 4-up 66

191B Loin, Tenderloin Butt, Skinned 2-3 3-up 66

192 Loin, Tenderloin, Short 3-4 4-up 66

192A Loin, Tenderloin Tails Amount as Specified 66

193 Flank, Flank Steak (IM) 1-2 2-up 66

194 Flank, Rose Meat (IM) Amount as Specified 66

Portion Cuts

Item 

No.

Product Name Suggested Portion Weight Range (Ounces) Page

No.

1100 Cubed Steak 3-8 67

1101 Cubed Steak, Special 3-8 67

1102 Braising Steak, Swiss 4-8 67

1103 Rib, Rib Steak, Bone-In 8-18 68

1103A Rib, Rib Steak, Boneless 4-12 68

1103B Rib, Rib Steak, Frenched, Bone In 3-16 68

1112 Rib, Ribeye Roll Steak, Boneless 4-12 68

1112A Rib, Ribeye Steak, Lip-On, Boneless 4-12 69

1112B Rib, Ribeye Steak, Lip-On, Short Cut, Boneless 4-12 69

1112C Rib, Ribeye Steak 4-12 69

1112D Rib, Ribeye Cap Steak 4-8 69

1114D Chuck, Shoulder, Top Blade Steak 4-12 69

1114E Chuck, Shoulder, Arm Steak, Boneless 4-10 69

1114F Chuck, Shoulder Tender, Portioned (IM) 2-14 70

1116D Chuck, Chuck Eye Roll Steak 4-12 70

1116G Chuck, Under Blade, Center-Cut Steak 4-12 70

1116H Chuck, Chuck Eye Steak 4-12 71

1121D Plate, Inside Skirt Steak (IM), Boneless 4-8 71

1121E Plate, Outside Skirt Steak, Skinned (IM) 4-8 71

1123 Short Ribs, Bone-In 3-10 71
18

Item No. Product Name Suggested Portion Weight Range (Ounces) Page

No.

1130 Chuck, Short Rib, Bone-In 3-10 71

1136 Ground Beef Patties Desired ounces or number per pound 72

1136A Ground Beef and Soy Protein Product Patties Desired ounces or number per pound 72

1136B Beef Patties Desired ounces or number per pound 72

1136C Beef Patties, NTE 10% Fat Desired ounces or number per pound 72

1136D Pure Beef Patties Desired ounces or number per pound 72

1137 Ground Beef Patties, Special Desired ounces or number per pound 72

1137A Ground Beef and Soy Protein Product Patties 

Special Desired ounces or number per pound 72

1138 Beef Steaks, Flaked and Formed, Frozen Desired ounces or number per pound 72

1138A

Beef Sandwich Steaks, Flaked, 

Chopped, Formed, and Wafer Sliced, 

Frozen

Desired ounces 72

1138B Beef Steaks, Sliced and Formed, Frozen Desired ounces 72

1139 Beef Slices Desired ounces or thickness 73

1140 Hanger Steaks 4-8 73

1150 Top Side Steak, Boneless 4-16 73

1167 Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak 3-10 73

1167A Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak, Peeled 3-10 73

1167D Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak, Peeled, 

Special 4-8 73

1167E Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Center Steaks 

(IM) 4-8 73

1167F Round, Sirloin Tip (knuckle), Side Steaks (IM) 4-8 74

1169 Round, Top (Inside) Round Steak 3-12 74

1169A Round, Top (Inside) Cap-Off, Round Steak 3-12 74

1169C Round Top (Inside) Round, Front Side Steak 3-12 74

1170A Round, Bottom (Gooseneck) Round Steak 3-24 74

1171D Round, Outside Round Steaks (IM) 3-24 74

1171G Round, Outside Round, Rump Steak (IM) 3-12 74

1173 Loin, Porterhouse Steak 10-12 75

1174 Loin, T-Bone Steak 8-24 75

1179 Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Bone-in 8-24 75

1179A Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Center Cut, Bone-In 8-24 75

1180 Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Boneless 6-20 75

1180A Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Center-Cut, Boneless 6-20 75

1180B Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Split, Boneless 4-12 75

1180C Loin, Strip Loin Steak, End Cut, Boneless 6-20 76

1184 Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Boneless 4-24 76

1184A Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Semi Center-Cut, 

Boneless 4-16 76
19

Item No. Product Name Suggested Portion Weight Range (Ounces) Page

No.

1184B Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Center-Cut, 

Boneless (IM) 4-16 76

1184D Loin, Top Sirloin Cap Steak, Boneless (IM) 4-8 76

1184F Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Center-Cut, 

Seamed, Dorsal Side (IM), Boneless 3-8 76

1185A Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Flap Steak (IM) 3-8 77

1185B Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Ball Tip Steak 3-10 77

1185C Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip Steak (IM) 3-8 77

1185D Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip Steak, Defatted 

(IM) 3-8 77

1188 Loin, Tenderloin, Steak, Bone-in 3-8 77

1189 Loin, Tenderloin Steak 4-14 77

1189A Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle On, 

Defatted 3-14 77

1189B Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle On, 

Partially Defatted 3-14 77

1190 Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle Off, 

Defatted 3-14 78

1190A Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle Off, 

Skinned 3-14 78

1190B Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Center-Cut, Skinned 3-14 78

1190C Loin, Tenderloin Tips Amount as Specified 78

3.7 Netting & Tying

Many of the item descriptions require roasts to be netted or tied to facilitate 

institutional style cookery methods. The purchaser may specify the netting and tying 

requirements for such items as needed.

When tying is required, stretchable netting (or any other equivalent material) must

be used to make roasts firm and compact. Unless otherwise specified, roasts must

be netted so that all portions are held intact, without any portions protruding through

the ends of the netting. Conversely, excess netting at the portion ends must be no 

more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) in length. Alternatively, roasts may be string tied by 

loops of twine uniformly spaced at no more than approximately 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) 

intervals along the items length). When tying does not make roasts firm and

compact, lengthwise tying may be used. For net weight verification, netting and 

tying material must beincluded along with packaging materials when determining 

tare weight.

3.8 Packaging & Packing

Purchaser must specify packaging and packing for delivery of product. (See IMPS 

GR.)
20

3.9 Quality Assurance

The purchaser may consult the IMPS QAP for options regarding production 

examination and lot acceptance criteria in terms of acceptable AQLs.

4.0 USDA Certification and Verification

4.1 Contact Information

When requested, the purchaser must specify within a contract or purchase order 

that product must be certified or that the producer is operating under an approved 

IMPS Process Verified Program by the USDA, AMS, LP, SSD. The IMPS

QAP,

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/QualityAssuranceProvisionsIMP

S.pdf

will be used to determine compliance. Purchasers desiring these services should

contact:

USDA, AMS, LP Program

1400 Independence Ave, SW, Room 3932, Stop 0258

Washington, DC 20250

Phone: (202) 720-5705

5.0 Material Requirements

All products offered must comply with the following material requirements and the 

individual item descriptions. For certification, product must be evaluated in 

accordance with the IMPSQAP.

6.0 Quality

6.1 Excellent Condition

All product offered as meeting the specification requirements must be in excellent 

condition. For certification, product must be in the fresh-chilled state (not previously 

frozen) when examined for excellent condition; e.g., exposed lean and fat surfaces 

must be of a color and bloom normally associated with the class, grade, and cut of

meat, and typical of meat which has been properly stored and handled. Cut 

surfaces and naturally exposed lean surfaces must show no more than slight

darkening or discoloration due to dehydration, aging, and/or microbial activity. The 

fat must show no more than very slight discoloration due to oxidation or microbial

activity. No odors foreign to fresh meat must be present. Changes in color and

odors characteristically associated with vacuum packaged meat in excellent 

condition mustbe acceptable. Also, product must show no evidence of freezing, 

defrosting,or mishandling. Beef must be maintained in excellent condition through 
21

processing, storage, andtransit.

Portion-cut and ground items to be delivered frozen may be produced from frozen 

meat cuts which have been previously certified in the fresh-chilled state, provided 

such cuts show no evidence of deterioration. Unless otherwise specified, portion 

cut items must maintain their approximate original shape. Products thus produced 

must be packaged, packed,and returned promptly to the freezer.

6.2 Lean Quality

Except for ground and flaked items, dark cutting and/or calloused beef isnot

acceptable. All beef must be free of bruises, blood clots, bloody tissue, blood 

discoloration, exposed blood vessels, cod and/or udder fat, gambrel cord, specified 

risk materials or any other conditions which would negatively affect the use of the

product.

Beef cuts must be free of dislocated or enlarged joints or other malformations of 

the skeletal structure. However, cuts with bones broken during processing are 

acceptable if the bones are not splintered to the extent that the lean around the 

fracture isaffected.

6.3 Workmanship

Except for cuts that are separated through natural seams, all cut surfaces must

form approximate right angles with theskin surface. No more than a slight amount

lean, fat, or bone must be removed or included from an adjacent cut.

Except for steaks which are cubed and/or knitted or unless otherwise specified in 

the individual item description, steaks must be cut in full slices in a straight line

reasonably perpendicular to the outer surface and at an approximate right angle to

the length of the cut being sliced or portioned. For individual muscle cuts, portions 

must be made by slicing perpendicular to the grain (muscle fiber alignment) of the

cut. Portion-cut items must be practically free of: (1) fractures, (2) tag ends, and 

(3) knife scores. Individual steaks must remain intact when suspended 1⁄2-inch (13

mm) from the outer edge.

6.4 Fat Trimming

Trimming of external fat must be accomplished by smoothly removing the fat 

following the contour of the underlying muscle surface. Beveling of the edges only 

is not acceptable. Two terms used for describing fat limitations are: (1) maximum

fat thickness at any one point and (2) average fat thickness. Fat thickness 

requirements may apply to surface fat(external and/or exterior fat in relationship to 

the item) and seam fat (fat between adjacent muscles within an item) as specified 

by the purchaser or within the detailed item description.
22

6.4.1 Peeled/Denuded

The term "peeled" implies surface fat and muscle separation through natural seams 

so that the resulting cut's seamed surface ("silver" or "blue" tissue) is exposed with 

remaining "flake" fat NTE 1.0 inch (25 mm) in the longest dimension and/or 1⁄8-inch

(3 mm) in depth at any point. The term "denuded" implies all surface fat is removed 

so that the resulting cut's seamed surface ("silver" or "blue tissue") is exposed with 

remaining "flake" fat NTE 1.0 inch (25 mm) in any dimension and/or 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) 

in depth at any point.

6.4.2 Peeled/Denuded, Surface Membrane Removed

Peeled/denuded, surface membrane removed requires the surface membrane 

("silver" or "blue" tissue) to be removed (skinned); the resulting cut surface must

expose at least 90 percent lean with remaining "flake" fat NTE 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) in 

depth.

6.4.3 Cuts & Roast Items

For cuts and roast items, the maximum fat thickness at any one point is evaluated 

by visually determining the area of a cut which has the most fat thickness and 

measure the thickness (depth) at this point. The average fat thickness is evaluated

by visually determining the areas of surface fat and taking multiple measurements in 

these areas only. The average must be determined by evaluating the amount of

surface area that each thickness represents (e.g., if one third of the fat surface was 

0.2 inch in depth, one third was 0.3 inch in depth and one thirdwas

0.4 inch in depth, then the average would be 0.3 inch).

The actual measurements of fat are made on the edges of the cut and by probing or

scoring the overlying surface fat as necessary in a manner that reveals the actual fat

thickness and accounts for any natural depression or seam which could affect the

measurement.

6.4.4 Bridging & Planing

When a natural depression occurs in a muscle, only the fat above the portion of the 

depression which is more than 3⁄4-inch (19 mm) in width is considered (this method 

is known as "bridging"). When a seam of fat occurs between adjacent muscles only

the fat above the level of the involved muscles is measured (this method is known

as "planing"). However, when fat limitations for Peeled/Denuded or

Peeled/Denuded, Surface Membrane Removed are specified, the bridging method

must be used for evaluating fat above a natural depression in a muscle and fat

occurring between adjacent muscles.
23

6.4.5 Diced & Portion-Cut Items

For the purpose of measuring surface fat, the maximum fat thickness at any one 

point is evaluated by visually determining the areas on the edges of either side of 

the dice or portion-cut which have the thickest amount of fat and measuring the

thickness (depth) of fat in these areas. The average fat thickness is evaluated by

visually determining the various areas of surface fat and taking multiple 

measurements in these areas. The average must be determined by evaluating the 

amount of surface area that each thicknessrepresents.

The actual measurements of fat are made on the edges of the cut and by probing or

scoring the fat surface as necessary in a manner that reveals the actual fat

thickness. For steak items, the bridging and/or the planing methods must be 

applied to take into account any natural depression occurring in a muscle and/or

when a seam of fat occurs between adjacent muscles.

6.4.6 Seam Fat

For the purpose of measuring seam fat, when specified, the maximum fat thickness 

at any one point is evaluated by visually determining the areas of fat between 

layers of lean (muscles) on any side of the cut which have the thickest (widest) 

deposits of fat and measuring the width in these areas. The average fat thickness 

is evaluated by visually determining thevarious areas of seam fat and taking 

multiple measurements in these areas. The average must be determined by 

evaluating the areas that each thickness (width)represents.

For steak items, the bridging and/or planing methods must be applied to take into 

account the irregular widths of the seam fat within a muscle depression or between

adjacent muscles in order to reveal the actual fat thickness (width) of fat within a

seam. Seam fat must be evaluated no closer than 3⁄4-inch (19 mm) from the contour
24

(projected perimeter when symmetrically formed or unformed) of the outer edge of 

the steak.

However, when fat limitations for Peeled/Denuded or Peeled/Denuded, Surface 

Membrane Removed are specified, the bridging method must be used for 

evaluating surface fat above a natural depression in a muscle and fat occurring 

between adjacent muscles.

6.5 Objectionable Materials

Trimming for further processing into ground, flaked, chopped, or diced items - The 

processor must remove materials that are objectionable and will have a negative 

impact on quality of the end item. The following objectionable materials must be

excluded:

• Major lymph glands (prefemoral, popliteal, and prescapular), thymus gland, and 

the sciatic (ischiatic) nerve (lies medial to the outside round).

• All bone, cartilage, and the following heavy connective tissues:

o White fibrous – Shoulder tendon, elbow tendon, silver skin (outside round),

sacrociatic ligament, opaque periosteum, serous membrane (peritoneum), 

tendinous ends of shanks, gracilis membrane, patellar ligament 

(associated with the stifle joint), and achilles tendon.

o Yellow elastin – Back strap and abdominal tunic.

o

6.5.1 Specified Risk Material

FSIS has declared specified risk materials as unfit for human food because they 

present a sufficient risk of exposing humans to BovineSpongiform Encephalopathy. 

In accordance with 9 CFR 310.22, the following specified risk materials must be 

completely removed during beef harvest and fabrication:

o Cattle 30 months of age and older - All portions of the brain, skull, eyes, 

trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, vertebral column (excluding the 

vertebrae of the tail, the transverse processes of the thoracic and 

lumbar vertebrae, and the wings of the sacrum), and dorsal root ganglia.

o All cattle - The distal ileum of the small intestine and tonsils.
25

7.0 Diagrams
26

7.2 Beef Side Primal Diagram
27

7.3 Primal Separation Diagrams

7.3.2 Chuck – Brisket Separation – New Image Coming Soon!
7.3.3 Rib-Loin Separation – New Image Coming Soon!

31

7.3.5 Short Loin – Sirloin Separation – New Image Coming Soon!
32

7.3.6 Loin – Round Separation – New Image Coming Soon!
33

8.0 Cut Descriptions

8.1 Myology

A reference for identification of muscles is the University of Nebraska’s "Bovine 

Myology & Muscle Profiling" Web site (http://bovine.unl.edu) funded by the Beef 

Checkoff and produced by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

(www.beef.org).

8.2 Foodservice Cut Descriptions

Item No. 100 - Beef Carcass - The carcass must consist of two matched sides each

consisting of a forequarter and a hindquarter. The sides must be produced by 

splitting the carcass down the back exposing the spinal groove at least 75 percent 

of the length of either side. No more than a minor amount of major muscles must

be removed from either side. The quarters are produced by completely or partially 

separating the forequarters from the hindquarters by a cut following the natural 

curvature between the 12th and 13th ribs. The diaphragm may be removed. 

However, if present it must be firmly attached and the membranous portion must be

trimmed close to the lean. The thymus gland and heart fat must be closely

removed.

Item No. 100A - Beef Carcass, Trimmed - This item is prepared as described in

Item No. 100 except the kidney, kidney knob, adjacent internal fats, and hanging 

tender are removed. The fat covering the lumbar, sacral, pelvic, and tenderloin

regions must be trimmed NTE 1.0 inch (25 mm) in depth at any point.

Item No. 101 - Beef Side - This item is as described in Item No. 100 except the 

side is one matched forequarter and hindquarter. The side must be trimmed as

described in Item No. 100.

Item No. 102 - Beef Forequarter - The beef forequarter is the anterior portion of

the side after severance from the hindquarter as described in Item No. 100. The 

forequarter must be trimmed as described in Item No. 100.

Item No. 102A - Beef Forequarter, Boneless - This item consists of the boneless 

rib, chuck, brisket, foreshank, and plate. The cut posterior to the 12th rib mark must

follow the natural curvature of the rib. The clod (the large muscle system which lies 

dorsal and posteriorto the elbow joint, ventral and posterior to the ridge of the 

scapula, and is anterior to the 6th rib) must be separated as described in Item No.

114. All bones, cartilages, backstrap, prescapular lymph gland, and tendinous 

ends of the foreshank and clod evidencing less than 75 percent lean on a crosssectional cut must be removed. The purchaser must specify if this item must

remain intact or be separated into cuts.
34

Item No. 103 - Beef Rib, Primal - The primal rib is that portion of the forequarter 

remaining after removal of the cross-cut chuck and short plate and must contain 

seven ribs (6th to 12th inclusive), the posterior tip of the blade bone (scapula), and 

the thoracic vertebra attached to the ribs. The loin end must follow the natural

curvature of the 12th rib. The chuck is removed by a straight cut between the 5th 

and 6th ribs. The short plate must be removed by a straight cut which is ventral to,

but not more than 6.0 inches (15.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the loin end

to a point on the chuck end ventral to, but not more than 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) from, 

the M. longissimus dorsi. The diaphragm and fat on the ventral surface of the

vertebrae must be removed.

Option No. Description

1 Full rib bone attached.

Item No. 103A - Beef Rib, Regular - This item is prepared as described in Item No.

103 except that the short plate must be removed by a straight cut which is ventral

to, but not more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from the M. longissimus dorsi at the loin

end to a point on the chuck end ventral to, but not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm)

from, the M. longissimus dorsi. The protruding edge of the chine bone must be

removed.

Item No. 104 - Beef Rib, Oven-Prepared, Regular - The oven prepared rib is as 

described in Item No. 103 except that the short plate must be removed by a 

straight cut which is ventral to, but not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm) from, the M.

longissimus dorsi at the loin end to a point on the chuck end ventral to, but not 

more than 8.0 inches (20.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi. The chine bone 

must be removed such that the lean is exposed between the ribs and the feather

bone/vertebrae junctures, leaving the feather bones attached. The blade bone and

related cartilage must be removed.

Item No. 107 - Beef Rib, Oven-Prepared - This item is prepared as described in

Item No. 103 except that the short plate must be removed by a straight cut which is 

ventral to, but not more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from the M. longissimus dorsi at 

the loin end to a point on the chuck end ventral to, but not more than 4.0 inches 

(10.0 cm) from, the M.longissimus dorsi. The chine bone must be removed such 

that the lean is exposed between the ribs and the feather bone/vertebrae junctures, 

leaving the feather bones attached. The blade bone and related cartilage must be

removed.

Item No. 107A - Beef Rib, Oven-Prepared, Blade Bone In - This item is as 

described in Item No. 107 except that the blade bone and related cartilage may 

remain.

Item No. 108 - Beef Rib, Oven-Prepared, Boneless - This boneless item is 

prepared from Item No. 103. The loin end must be exposed by a cut that follows 
35

the natural curvatureof the 12th rib mark and that exposes the M. spinalis dorsi not 

extending more than half the length of the M. longissimus dorsi. On the chuck end,

the M. longissimus dorsi must be at least twice as large as the complexus. Seven 

rib marks must be present. The short plate must be removed by a straight cut that is

ventral to, but not more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the 

loin end to a point on the chuck end ventral to, but not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 

cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi. All bones, cartilages, related M. intercostales

interni, and backstrap must be removed. The rib must be netted or tied when

specified.

Item No. 109 - Beef Rib, Roast-Ready - This item is prepared as described in 

Item No. 103 except that the short plate must be removed by a straight cut that is

ventral to, but not more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at 

the loin end to a point on the chuck end ventral to, but not more than 4.0 inches 

(10.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi. The chine bone must be removed such 

that the lean is exposed between the ribs and the feather bone/vertebrae junctures, 

leaving the feather bones attached. The blade bone and related cartilage, 

backstrap, M. latissimus dorsi, M. infraspinatus, M. subscapularis, M. rhomboideus, 

and M. trapezius must be removed. The exterior fat covering (that covered the M.

latissimus dorsi and M. trapezius) must not exceed 1.0 inch (25 mm) in depth at any

point. The fat cover may be separated to accommodate removal of the backstrap 

and returned to its original position. The fat cover must be trimmed even with the

short plate side and must not have holes larger than 2.0 square inches (12.9 sq cm). 

The rib must be netted or tied when specified.

Item No. 109A - Beef Rib, Roast-Ready, Special - This item is as described in 

Item No. 109 except that feather bones are removed. The exterior fat covering 

(that covered the M. latissimus dorsi, M. trapezius, M. longissimus dorsi, and M. 

spinalis dorsi) must be separatedto facilitate trimming of the underlying fat. The 

underlying fat covering the M. longissimus dorsi and M. spinalis dorsi must be 

trimmed to a uniform thickness for the entire seamedsurface. The exterior fat

covering must be returned and positioned so that it extends from the edge of the rib 

bones where the feather bones were, toward the edges of the rib bones at the 

short plate side. Fat cover extending beyond the short plate edges of the ribs must

be removed. The fat cover must not exceed 1.0 inch (25 mm) in thickness at any

point and must not have holes larger than 2.0 square inches (12.9 sq cm).

Item No. 109B - Beef Rib, Blade Meat - This item consists of portions of those

muscles that are immediately below (M. subscapularis and M. rhomboideus) and 

above (M. latissimus dorsi, M. infraspinatus, and M. trapezius) the blade bone and

related cartilage of the primal rib. The lean surfaces must be trimmed practically 

free of fat. All bones and cartilages must be removed. This item is often referred to 

as ‘lifter meat’ or ‘cap and wedge meat’.

Item No. 109C - Beef Rib, Roast-Ready, Cover Off - This item is prepared as 

described in Item No. 109A except that the fat cover must be excluded.
36

Item No. 109D - Beef Rib, Roast-Ready, Cover Off, Short Cut (Export Style) -

This item is as described in Item 109A except that the fat cover must be removed 

and the short plate must be removed by a straight cut which is ventral to, but not

more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the loin end to a

point on the chuck end ventral to, but not more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. 

longissimus dorsi.

Item No. 109E - Beef Rib, Ribeye Roll, Lip-On, Bone In (Export Style) - This 

item is as described in Item 109D except that the short plate must be removed by a 

straight cut which is ventral to, but not more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from the M.

longissimus dorsi. The PSO’s for short plate removal are as follows:

Option No. Description

1 1.0 in. (25 mm) x 1.0 in. (25 mm)

2 0 in. x 0 in. (product name must omit reference 

to "lip-on")

3 Other

Item No. 110 - Beef Rib, Roast-Ready, Boneless - This item is as described in 

Item No. 108 except that the M. latissimus dorsi, M. infraspinatus, M. subscapularis,

M. rhomboideus, and M. trapezius, must be removed. The exterior fat covering 

which covered the M. latissimus dorsi and M. trapezius must be left intact. Fat 

cover extending beyond the short plate edgemust be removed. The roast must be 

netted or tied. Purchaser may specify lip length (short plate) removal.

Item No. 111 - Beef Rib, Spencer Roll - This item is as described in Item No. 108 

except that the muscles (M. latissimus dorsi and M. trapezius) and fat cover

overlying the blade pocket must be removed. The short plate must be removed by a

straight cut that is ventral to, but not more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from, the M. 

longissimus dorsi at the loin end to a point on the chuck end ventral to, but not 

more than 1.0 inch (25 mm) from, the M. longissimusdorsi.

Item No. 112 - Beef Rib, Ribeye Roll - The ribeye roll includes the M. longissimus 

dorsi, M. spinalis dorsi, M. complexus, and M. multifidus dorsi muscles as 

described in Item No. 108. The ‘lip’ (M. serratus dorsalis and M. longissimus

costarum muscles and related intermuscular fat) on the short plate side must be 

removed at the natural seam immediately ventral to the M. longissimus dorsi. This

item must be practically free of surface fat and M. intercostales interni. All other 

muscles, bones, cartilages, backstrap and the exterior fat cover must beremoved.

Item No. 112A - Beef Rib, Ribeye Roll, Lip-On - This item is the same as Item No.

112 except that the ‘lip’ (M. serratus dorsalis and M. longissimus costarum and 

related intermuscular fat) remains attached on the short plate side and must be
37

prepared by a straight cut which is ventral to, but not more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) 

from, the M. longissimus dorsi.

Item No. 112C - Beef Rib, Ribeye (IM) - This item must consist of the M. 

longissimus dorsi from any rib eye roll. The M. complexus and M. spinalis dorsi 

must be removed by cutting through the natural seams.

Item No. 112D - Beef Rib, Ribeye Cap (IM), - This item must consist of the M. 

spinalis dorsi/multifidus dorsi removed from any rib eye roll by cutting through the 

natural seams.

Option No. Description

1 M. Complexus muscle included

Item No. 113 - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut - This item is the portion of the 

forequarter after removal of the rib, short plate, foreshank, and brisket. The rib end 

of the chuck must be prepared by a straight cut between the 5th and 6th ribs. The 

brisket and foreshank must be removed by a straight cut which is at an approximate

right angle to the rib end. Evidence of the cartilaginous juncture of the 1st rib and 

the sternum must be present on thebrisket side. The thymus gland and heart fat 

must be closely removed.

Item No. 113A - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Divided - This item is as described in

Item No. 113 except the chuck is separated into the blade portion and the arm 

portion. The separation must be made by a cut parallel with the brisket side and

ventral to, but not more than 5.0 inches (12.5 cm) or less than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) 

from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end.

Item No. 113B - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Neck-Off, Divided - This item is as 

described in Item No. 113A except the neck is removed from the blade portion by a 

straight cut, approximately parallel to the rib end, leaving no more than two cervical 

vertebrae on the blade portion.

Item No. 113C - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Neck-Off, 2 Piece, Semi Boneless -

This item must consist of the blade portion of Item No. 113B and the arm roast as 

described in Item No. 114E. A blade portion and an arm roast must be individually 

packaged and placedinto the same container.

Item No. 114 - Beef Chuck, Shoulder (Clod) - The shoulder (clod) is the large

muscle system which lies dorsal and posterior to the elbow joint, ventral and 

posterior to the ridge of the scapula (blade bone),and is anterior to the 6th rib. The 

Mm. cutaneous trunci/cutaneous omobrachialis (shoulder rose) must be removed

when the underlying fat exceeds the surface fat thickness specified. The presence of

the M. trapezius, M. cutaneous trunci, M. teres major, and the minor muscles over 

the humerus are optional, however, the M. teres major is generally excluded unless
38

otherwise specified. The tendons on the elbow end must be trimmed to be even 

with the lean. All bones and cartilages must be removed.

Item No. 114A - Beef Chuck, Shoulder Roast - This item is as described in Item 

No. 114 except that the shoulder must be trimmed so that it is not less than 1.0 inch

(25 mm) thick at any point, except within 3⁄4-inch (19 mm) of the juncture of the M. 

trapezius and M. latissimus dorsi. In this instance, the underlying fat must be 

trimmed to comply with the surface fat thicknessrequirements. When smaller roasts

are specified, the thick (arm) end of the shoulder must be separated from the thin 

(blade) end and if necessary, subsequent cuts must be made at right angles to the 

blade side splitting the arm end into approximate equal portions. The blade end

must be split lengthwise into approximately equal portions, the ends must be 

reversed, the boned surfaces placed together, and if necessary, a subsequent

cut(s) must be made at a right angle to the length of the blade portion into 

approximate equal portions. All roasts must be netted or tied.

Item No. 114B - Beef Chuck, Shoulder Roast, Special - This item is as described

in Item No. 114A except that the whole Shoulder must be split lengthwise, the ends 

must be reversed so that the boned surfaces are placed together to produce a 

uniformly thick roast. The roasts must be held together by netting or tying. When

smaller roasts are specified, the roast must be divided by a straight cut(s) at a right 

angle to the length of the shoulder into approximateequal portions.

Item No. 114C - Beef Chuck, Shoulder (Clod), Trimmed - This item is as 

described in Item No. 114 except that the Mm. cutaneous trunci/cutaneous 

omobrachialis (shoulder rose), M. latissimus dorsi, the optional minor muscles (M.

trapezius, M. teres major, and muscles over the humerus) must be removed. To 

facilitate packaging, the M. infraspinatus may be separated, packaged, and 

included within the same shipping container.

Item No. 114D - Beef Chuck, Shoulder (Clod), Top Blade - This item is derived

from Item No. 114 and must consist of the M. infraspinatus, untrimmed.

Option No. Description

1

Purchaser may request that this item be further 

trimmed to remove the internal connective tissue 

(shoulder tendon). To remove the tissue or tendon it

must be completely exposed by a butterfly cut prior to

its removal. Purchaser may also request that this item 

then be separated into two pieces after completely 

removing the shoulder tendon. After removal of the

shoulder tendon, this item is often referred to as the 

‘Flat Iron’.
39

Item No. 114E - Beef Chuck, Shoulder (Clod), Arm Roast - This item is derived 

from Item No. 114 and must consist of the large muscle system of the thick end of

the Shoulder (M. triceps brachii long head, M. triceps brachii lateral head and may 

consist of the M. triceps brachii medial head and M. tensor fascia antibrachii). This 

item is commonly referred to as the ‘Clod Heart or Shoulder Center’.

Item No. 114F – Beef Chuck, Shoulder, Tender (IM) – This item must consist of 

the M. teres major derived from the medial surface of the shoulder (outside 

shoulder). It must be removed from the M. latissimus dorsi and M. triceps brachii 

group by cutting through the natural seams. This item is sometimes referred as a 

‘Beef Shoulder, Petite Tender’.

Option No. Description

1

PSO 1- Purchaser may request this item be trimmed 

to FLO 6, Peeled/Denuded, Surface membrane 

removed.

Item No. 114G – Beef Chuck, Shoulder, Arm, Center Cut (IM) – This item is 

derived from Item No. 114E and must consist of the M. triceps brachii long head 

muscle.

Item No. 115 - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Boneless - This boneless item is

prepared from any chuck item with the brisket and foreshank removed. The full 

shoulder must be separated (but included) as described in Item No. 114 and may 

be separated prior to cutting the brisket side. On the rib end, the M. longissimus

dorsi must be twice as large as the M. complexus. No fewer than 5 rib marks must

be present. The brisket side and rib end must be straight cuts forming an

approximate right angle. On the brisket side, the M. pectoralis profundi must extend

to the 3rd rib mark but not past the 5th rib mark. If specified, the blade portion must

be separated from the arm portion (after separation of the Shoulder) by a straight

cut, approximately perpendicular with the rib end, which is ventral to, but not more 

than 5.0 inches (12.5 cm) or less than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus

dorsi at the rib end. All bones, cartilages, backstrap, prescapular lymph gland, 

heart fat and thymus gland must beremoved.

Item No. 115A - Beef Chuck, Blade Portion, Boneless - This item is as 

described in Item Nos. 115 or 126 except that the arm portion and shoulder must

be excluded.

Item No. 115B - Beef Chuck, Arm-Out, Boneless - This item is as described in

Item Nos. 115 or 126 except that the arm portion must be excluded.

Item No. 115C - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Neck-Off, Boneless - This item is as 

described in Item No. 115 except that the neck must be removed from the blade 

portion by a straight cut, approximately parallel to the rib end, exposing a cross 
40

section of the M. supraspinatus.

Item No. 115D – Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Pectoral Meat (IM) – This item must 

consist of the M. pectoralis profundi that remains within the square-cut chuck after

the removal of the brisket. It is removed from the chuck by cutting through the 

natural seams.

Item No. 116 - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Clod-Out, Boneless - This item is 

prepared as described in Item No. 115 except that the shoulder clod must be 

excluded.

Item No. 116A - Beef Chuck, Chuck Roll - This boneless item consists of the 

large muscle system of the chuck which lies under the blade bone and contains the

M. longissimus dorsi, M. rhomboideus, M. spinalis dorsi, M. complexus, M. 

multifidus dorsi, M. serratus ventralis, M. subscapularis, and M. splenius. The rib 

end must be made by a straight cut exposing the M. longissimus dorsi to be at least 

twice as large as the M. complexus and forms an approximate right angle with the

length of the chuck roll. The neck must be removed by a straight cut which is 

approximately parallel with the rib end and is anterior to, but not more than 1⁄2-inch 

(13 mm) from, the M. serratus ventralis. The arm portion must be removed by a

straight cut that is at an approximate right angle to the rib end and is, not more than

3.0 inches (7.5 cm), ventral from the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end and not 

more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm) from the M. complexus at the neck end. All bones, 

cartilages, backstrap, M. trapezius, M. supraspinatus, M. intercostales interni (rib 

fingers), and prescapular lymph gland must be removed. When smaller roasts are 

specified, the chuck roll must be divided by cutting through the meat perpendicular 

to the length of the chuck roll into approximately equal portions. This item must be 

netted or tied when specified. The PSO’s are as follows:

Option No. Description

1

Arm removed by a straight cut not exceeding 1.0 inch (25 

mm) from the M. longissimus dorsi on the rib end and 1.0 

inch (25 mm) from the M. complexus on the neck end.

2

Arm removed by straight cut immediately ventral to M. 

longissimus dorsi and M. complexus.

3 The M. subscapularis must be removed.

4

The ‘hump meat’ (dorsal portion of the M. rhomboideus) 

must be removed so that the dorsal edge is a straight cut 

parallel to the arm (ventral) edge.

Item No. 116B - Beef Chuck, Chuck Tender (IM) - This item consists of the M.

supraspinatus which lies dorsal to the medial ridge of the blade bone. The chuck 

tender must be separated from the other muscles through the natural seams. This 
41

item is often referred to as ‘mock tender’.

Option No. Description

1

PSO 1- The heavy connective tissue on the thick end of the 

chuck tender must be exposed and removed by a butterfly 

cut leaving a score that is no more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm)

into the lean.

Item No. 116C - Beef Chuck, Chuck Roll, Untrimmed - This boneless item is as

described in Item No. 116A except that the neck is not removed and the M. longus

coli (rope) may remain if it is firmly attached. However, when present, the M. 

longus coli must not extend past the first rib mark and must be trimmed so no 

portion extends more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from the point where it is attached. 

The arm side must be made by a straight cut that is at an approximate right angle 

to the rib end and is, not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm), ventral from the M. 

longissimus dorsi at the rib end.

Item No. 116D - Beef Chuck, Chuck Eye Roll - This item is the muscle group 

from Item No. 116A that consists of the M. longissimus dorsi, M. spinalis dorsi, M. 

multifidus dorsi, M. complexus, and minor muscles immediately ventral to the M.

longissimus dorsi. The chuck eye roll must be removed from the underblade roll by 

cutting through the natural seams and must be practically free of surface fat.

Option No. Description

1

The purchaser may specify to have the portion of the chuck 

eye roll anterior to the M. longissimus dorsi excluded. This 

remaining portion of the chuck eye roll is sometimes

referred to as a ‘Beef Chuck, Delmonico Roast’.

Item No. 116E - Beef Chuck, Under Blade Roast - This item is derived from Item 

No. 116A after removal of the chuck eye roll and must consist of the M. serratus

ventralis, M. rhomboideus and M. splenius. The dorsal and ventral edges must be 

straight cuts whichare approximately parallel with each other, removing the ‘hump 

meat’ (dorsal portion of the M.rhomboideus).

Item No. 116F – Beef Chuck, Under Blade, Flat Cut (IM) – This item is derived

from Item No. 116E and must consist of the M. splenius. The M. splenius is 

separated from the M. serratus ventralis and M. rhomboideus by cutting through the 

natural seams.

Item No. 116G – Beef Chuck, Under Blade, Center Cut (IM) – This item must

consist of the M. serratus ventralis in its entirety from the Item No. 116A or 116E. 

This item is sometimes referred to as ‘Denver Cut’.
42

Option No. Description

1

The item may consist of any portion of the item 116G. 

When the portion consists of the M. serratus ventralis that

is associated with the removal of the ventral edge of the

Chuck Roll to comply with PSO #1 of IMPS Item No. 

116A, it is commonly referred to as the ‘Edge Roast’ or 

‘Chuck Flap’.

Item No. 116H – Beef Chuck, Chuck Eye (IM) – This item must consist of the M. 

complexus that is derived from the Chuck Eye Roll.

Item No. 116I – Beef Chuck, Neck Roast – This item is derived from the anterior 

end of the untrimmed chuck roll. It is removed as described in Item No. 116A.

Item No. 116K – Beef Chuck Roll, 3-Way – This item must consist of the Chuck

Eye Roll (Item No. 116D), M. serratus ventralis and M. splenius from the Under 

Blade (Item No. 116E). The M. serratus ventralis (Item No. 116G) and M. splenius

(Item No. 116F) must be separated from each other and the M. rhomboideus by 

cutting through the natural seams. The 3 pieces must be individually packaged and 

placed into the same container.

Item No. 117 - Beef Foreshank - The foreshank must be removed from the 

square-cut chuck by a straight cut exposing a cross section of the humerus. The 

brisket must be removed by a cut through the natural seam.

Item No. 118 - Beef Brisket - This item includes the anterior end of the sternum 

bones, M. pectoralis profundi, and the M. pectoralis superficialis (web muscle). The 

brisket is separated from the foreshank as specified in Item No. 117. The arm and 

the short plate sides must be straight cuts which form an approximate right angle. 

Evidence of the cartilaginous juncture of the 1st rib and the sternum and the cross

section of 4 rib bones must be present. The heart fat must be closely removed.

Item No. 119 - Beef Brisket, Deckle-On, Boneless - This item is prepared from

Item No. 118. The arm and the short plate sides must be straight cuts forming an

approximate right angle. The M. pectoralis profundi must not completely extend to

the dorsal edge of the short plate side. All bones and cartilages must be removed.

Item No. 120 - Beef Brisket, Deckle-Off, Boneless - This item is as described in

Item No. 119 except that the deckle (hard fat and M. intercostales interni on the 

inside surface) must be removed at the natural seam exposing the lean surface of

the M. pectoralis profundi. The hard fat along the sternum edge must be trimmed 

level with the boned surface. The inside lean surface must be trimmed practically 

free of fat.
43

Item No. 120A - Beef Brisket, Flat Cut, Boneless (IM) - This item may be 

prepared from any IMPS boneless brisket item and must consist only of the M.

pectoralis profundi. All surfaces must be trimmed practically free of fat and the item

must be no less than 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) thick at any point.

Item No. 120B - Beef Brisket, Point Cut, Boneless (IM) - This item may be

prepared from any IMPS boneless brisket item and must consist only of the M. 

pectoralis superficialis (web muscle). All surfaces must be trimmed practically free 

of fat and must be no less than 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) thick any point.

Item No. 120C - Beef Brisket, 2 Piece, Boneless - This item must consist of Item 

No. 120A and Item No. 120B packaged together.

Item No. 121 - Beef Plate, Short Plate - This item is that portion of the forequarter

immediately ventral to Item No. 103. The flank end must follow the natural 

curvature of the 12th rib. The M. pectoralis profundi must not completely extend to

the dorsal edge of the brisket side. Seven ribs must be present. The rib side must

be a straight cut which exposes the M. serratus ventralis to be continuous for at 

least 2 ribs. The diaphragm may be removed. However, if present it must be firmly 

attached and the membranous portion must be trimmed close to the lean.

Item No. 121A - Beef Plate, Short Plate, Boneless - This item is prepared from

Item No. 121. Seven rib marks must be present. The rib side must be a straight cut 

which exposes the M. serratus ventralis to be continuous for at least 2 rib marks. 

All bones and cartilage must be removed.

Item No. 121B - Beef Plate, Short Plate, Trimmed, Boneless- This item is as 

described in Item No. 121A except the diaphragm, serous membrane (peritoneum) 

and the M. transversus abdominis must be removed.

Item No. 121C - Beef Plate, Outside Skirt (IM) - This item is removed from the 

short plate. The outside skirt must consist of the diaphragm which may have the 

serous membrane (peritoneum; often referred to as ‘tunic’) attached. The 

membrane portion must be trimmed close to the lean.

Item No. 121D - Beef Plate, Inside Skirt (IM) - This item must consist of the M. 

transversus abdominis only. The serous membrane (peritoneum) must be 

removed. The lean surface must be trimmed practically free of fat.

Item No. 121E - Beef Plate, Outside Skirt (IM), Skinned - This item is as 

described in Item No. 121C except that the serous membrane (peritoneum) must

be removed from both sides. The ends must be squared off.

Item No. 121F - Beef Plate, Short Plate, Short Ribs Removed - This item is as 

described in Item No. 121 except that the short rib portion is removed as described 

in Item No. 123. No more than 5 short ribs may be removed from the anterior end 
44

by a straight cut approximately parallel with the ventral side without exposing the 

M. pectoralisprofundi.

Item No. 121G - Beef Plate, Short Plate, Short Ribs Removed, Boneless - This 

item is as described in Item No. 121A except the short rib portion is removed as 

described in Item No. 123. No more than 5 short ribs may be removed from the 

anterior end by a straight cut approximately parallel with the ventral side without 

exposing the M. pectoralis profundi. All bones and cartilage must be removed. 

This item is sometimes referred to as ‘candy stripe’.

Item No. 122 - Beef Plate, Full - This item must consist of the short plate and

brisket sections, intact. The flank end must follow the natural curvature of the 12th

rib. The chuck/rib side must be a straight cut exposing the M. serratus ventralis to 

be continuous for at least 2ribs. Evidence of the cartilaginous juncture of the 1st 

rib and the sternum must be present. The heart fat must be closely removed. The 

diaphragm may be removed. However, if present it must be firmly attached and the 

membranous portion must be trimmed close to thelean.

Item No. 122A - Beef Plate, Full, Boneless - The plate must consist of the 

boneless short plate and brisketsections, intact. The flank end must follow the

natural curvature of the 12th rib mark. The chuck/rib side must be a straight cut 

exposing the M. serratus ventralis to be continuous for at least 2 rib marks. The 

posterior end of M. pectoralis profundi must extend to the 3rd rib mark but not past 

the 5th rib mark. All bones, cartilages, diaphragm, serous membrane (peritoneum), 

and heart fat must be removed.

Item No. 123 - Beef Short Ribs - This item consists of the rib section from any rib

and/or plate item and must contain at least 2 but no more than 5 ribs (ribs 6 through

10). The dorsal side must be at an approximate right angle to the rib bones and 

the M. latissimus dorsi must be continuous across the cut surface. The ventral side 

must be a straight cut which is approximately parallel to the dorsal side and does 

not contain any costal cartilages. The M. cutaneous trunci, diaphragm, and serous 

membrane (peritoneum) must be removed. The surface fat must be trimmed NTE 

1⁄4-inch (6 mm) atany point. The purchaser must specify the number of ribs and the

width (distance between the dorsal and ventral sides) of the rib sections.

Item No. 123A - Beef Short Plate, Short Ribs, Trimmed - This item is as 

described in Item No. 123 except that it must be derived from the 6th, 7th, and 8th 

ribs of the short plate, the M. serratus ventralis must be continuous across the cut

surface for at least 2 ribs on both the dorsal and ventral sides, and the exterior fat 

cover and the M. latissimus dorsi must beremoved.

Item No. 123B - Beef Rib, Short Ribs, Trimmed - This item is as described in 

Item No. 123 except that it must be derived from the 6th, 7th, and 8th ribs of the 

primal rib, the M. serratus ventralis must be exposed and continuous for at least 2 

ribs on one side only, and the exterior fat cover and the M. latissimus dorsi must be
45

removed. This item must be trimmed practically free of surface fat.

Item No. 123C - Beef Rib, Short Ribs - This item is as described in Item No. 123

except that it must be derived from the 6th, 7th, 8th ribs of the primal rib. The M. 

serratus ventralis must be exposed and continuous for at least 2 ribs on one side

only.

Item No. 123D - Beef Short Ribs, Boneless (IM) - This item must consist of the 

M. serratus ventralis muscle from any IMPS short rib item. The ribs and M. 

intercostales interni must be removed.

Item No. 124 - Beef Rib, Back Ribs - This item is the intact portion of the seven 

ribs and M. intercostales interni from Item Nos. 109 or 109A. The chine bone 

(thoracic vertebrae) and feather bones must be removed exposing the sawed ends 

of the rib bones. Unless otherwise specified, back ribs must be no less than 6.0

inches (15.0 cm) or no more than 8.0 inches (20.0 cm) wide at any point.

Item No. 124A – Beef Rib, Back Rib, Rib Fingers – This item will consist of the 

M. intercostales interni that are removed from between the back ribs. Purchaser 

may specify that the costal cartilage be removed.

Item No. 124B – Beef Plate, Rib Fingers – This item will consist of the M. 

intercostales interni that are removed from between the rib bones from a short 

plate.

Item No. 125 - Beef Chuck, Armbone - This item is as described in Item No. 113 

except that the foreshank is left intact. The brisket is removed by a cut through the 

natural seam from the foreshank. The thymus gland and heart fat must be closely 

removed.

Item No. 126 - Beef Chuck, Armbone, Boneless - This boneless item is prepared 

from Item No. 125 and must be separated into 3 portions (blade, arm, and 

shoulder) with the foreshank present. The M. longissimus dorsi must be twice as 

large as the M. complexus on the rib end. No fewer than 5 rib marks must be

present. The brisket side and rib end must be straight cuts forming an approximate

right angle. The brisket side must expose the M. pectoralis profundi extending 

posterior to the 3rd rib mark but not past the 5th rib mark. The brisket is removed

from the foreshank by a cut through the natural seam. The shoulder must be

separated as described in Item No. 114. After the shoulder is removed, the blade

portion must be separated from the arm portion by a straight cut, approximately 

perpendicular with the rib end, which is ventral to, but not more than 5.0 inches

(12.5 cm) or less than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib

end. All bones, cartilages, backstrap, prescapular lymph gland, heart fat, thymus 

gland, and the tendinous end of the shank evidencing less than 75 percent lean on 

a cross-sectional cut must be removed.

Item No. 126A - Beef Chuck, Armbone, Clod-Out, Boneless - This item is as 
46

described in Item No. 126 except the shoulder is excluded.

Item No. 127 - Beef Chuck, Cross-Cut - This item consists of the intact squarecut chuck, foreshank, and brisket and must contain5 ribs. The rib end of the chuck

must be a straight cut between the 5th and 6th ribs. The thymus gland and heart 

fat must be closely removed.

Item No. 128 - Beef Chuck, Cross-Cut, Boneless - This item consists of the 

intact boneless foreshank, brisket, and square-cut chuck with the full clod separated

but included. The rib end of the chuck must be a straight cut which exposes the M. 

longissimus dorsi to be at least twice as large as theM. complexus. No fewer than

5 rib marks must be present. The shoulder must be separated as described in Item

No. 114. Unless otherwise specified, the chuck must be separated into two 

portions by a straight cut, approximately parallel with the dorsal side, which is

ventral to, but not more than 5.0 inches (12.5 cm) or less than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm)

from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end. The remainder of the chuck may be

separated into 2 portions by a straight cut, approximately parallel to the dorsal side, 

ventral to, but not more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi. In

addition, the shank meat and brisket may be separated when specified by the

purchaser. Unless otherwise specified, one of each portion must be individually 

wrapped and packed in the same container. All bones, cartilages, backstrap,

prescapular lymph gland, and the tendinous end of the shank exposing less than 75 

percent lean on a cross-sectional cut must be removed.

Item No. 130 - Beef Chuck, Short Ribs - This item may be derived from the arm

portion of any IMPS chuck item and must include ribs 2 through 5, M. intercostales 

interni, and M. serratus ventralis. This item must be trimmed practically free of

surface fat. The dorsal edge must have no evidence of the cartilaginous junctures 

of the ribs and thoracicvertebrae.

Item No. 130A - Beef Chuck, Short Ribs, Boneless (IM) - This item is prepared

from Item No. 130 and must consist of the M. serratus ventralis from the arm 

portion of the chuck. The ribs and M. intercostales interni must be removed. This 

item must have at least four rib marks extending to the dorsal and ventral edge of 

the M. serratus ventralis. This item must be trimmed practically free of fat and must

be no less than 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) thick at anypoint.

Item No. 132 - Beef Triangle - This item consists of the forequarter minus the rib. 

The rib must be removed by a straight cut between the 5th and 6th ribs and

separated from the plate by a straight cut exposing the cross section of 7 ribs. The 

flank end must follow the natural curvature of the remaining portion of the 12th rib. 

The diaphragm may be removed. However, if present it must be firmly attached 

and the membranous portion must be trimmed close to the lean. The thymus gland 

and heart fat must be removed.

Item No. 133 - Beef Triangle, Boneless - This item is prepared from Item No. 132. 
47

The rib must be removed by a straight cut between the 5th and 6th rib marks 

exposing the M. longissimus dorsi to be twice as large as the M. complexus and 

separated from the plate by a straight cut which exposes the cross section of 7rib

marks. No portions of the M. longissimus dorsi or M. pectoralis profundi must be 

exposed and the M. serratus ventralis must be continuous for at least 2 rib marks

across the cut surface. The flank end must follow the natural curvature of the 

remaining portion of the 12th rib mark. The diaphragm may be removed. However, 

if present it must be firmly attached and the membranous portion must be trimmed 

close to the lean. The shoulder must be separated as described in Item No. 114

and included. All bones, cartilages, serous membrane (peritoneum), prescapular

lymph gland, thymus gland, backstrap, and the tendinous end of the shank 

exposing less than 75 percent lean ona cross-sectional cut must be removed.

Item No. 134 - Beef Bones - This item consists of any one or combination of 

shank, femur, or humerus bones sawed into sections of lengths as specified by the 

purchaser. Marrow must be exposed on at least one end of each sawed section.

Option No. Description

1

Bone is cut lengthwise exposing the marrow. This is also 

referred to as ‘canoe style’.

Item No. 135 - Diced Beef - Diced beef must be prepared from any portion of the

carcass which yields product that meets the end item requirements. Unless 

otherwise specified, shank, detached Mm. cutaneous, and heel meat must be

excluded. When heel meat is allowed by the purchaser, the M. superficial digital

flexor must be removed from the M. gastrocnemius through the natural seams. To 

facilitate dicing, meat may be frozen and/or tempered, onetime only. The meat 

must be either hand diced or mechanically diced (grinding isnot permitted). Dices 

must be free of bones, cartilages, heavy connective tissue, and lymph glands. 

Unless otherwise specified, at least 75 percent, by weight, of the resulting dices 

must be of a size equivalent to not less than a 3⁄4-inch (19 mm) cube or not more

than a 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) cube and no individual surface must be more than 2.5

inches (6.3 cm) in length. The surface and/or seam fat must not exceed 1⁄2-inch (13 

mm) thickness at any point.

Item No. 135A - Beef for Stewing - This item is as described in Item No. 135 

except (unless otherwise specified) at least 85 percent, by weight, of the resulting 

dices must be of a size equivalent to not less than a 3⁄4-inch (19 mm) cube or not

more than a 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) cube and no individual surface must be more than

2.5 inches (6.3 cm) in length. The fat thickness of the surface and/or seam fat must

not exceed 1⁄4-inch (6 mm) at any point.

Item No. 135B - Beef for Kabobs - This item is as described in Item No. 135 

except (unless otherwise specified) at least 90 percent, by weight, of the resulting 

dices must be of a size equivalent to not less than a 1.0 inch (25 mm) cube or not
48

more than a 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) cube and no individual surface must be more than

2.5 inches (6.3 cm) in length. The fat thickness of the surface and/or seam fat must

not exceed 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) at any point.

Item No. 135C- Beef for Stir Fry - Beef for stir-fry must be prepared from any 

portion of the carcass exclusive of shank, detached cutaneous muscles, and heel 

meat unless otherwise specified. When heel meat is allowed by the purchaser, the

M. superficial digital flexor must be separated and excluded from the M. 

gastrocnemius through thenatural seams. The meat may be hand sliced or 

mechanically sliced (grinding is not permitted) to yield pieces that are 

approximately 1⁄2-inch (12 mm) in width, 1 inch (25 mm) thickness, and 3 inches (75 

mm)in length. No individual surface must be more than 4 inches in length. Slices 

must be free of bone, cartilage, heavy connective tissue, and lymph glands. 

Surface and seam fat must not exceed 1⁄4 -inch (7mm) at any point.

Option No. Description

1

Beef for stir-fry must be made from raw materials that 

comply with fat limitation option 6, peeled, denuded, surface 

membrane removed.

2

The item must be made exclusively from Item No. 121D,

Inside Skirt and/or Item No. 193, Flank Steak.All

membranous tissue must be removed.

Item No. 136 - Ground Beef - Unless otherwise specified, ground beef may be 

derived from boneless meat which has been frozen and stockpiled. The purchaser 

may specify the maximum amount of frozen boneless meat that can be mixed with 

fresh-chilled meat prior to final grinding. All objectionable materials listed in the

material requirements must be removed.

When specified by the purchaser, ‘finely textured beef’, low temperature rendered 

beef that is processed from boneless beef trimmings, is allowed to be combined 

with boneless beef meeting the above material requirements provided it does not 

exceed 20 percent by weight of the combined finished product. When finely 

textured beef is used, the following criteria must be met:

Criteria Description

Red Color

The producer of finely textured beef must assure that the 

product has a discernible redness in color. The finely 

textured beef must maintain the same redness in color 

until the time of blending and grinding to minimize the 

effect of the color to the finished ground beef.

Fat Content Does not exceed 10% fat.
49

Grinding equipment must have sharp knives and plates and be equipped with a 

bone/collector system. Objectionable material removed during final grinding may

not be reintroduced into the finished product. The boneless meat must be ground 

at least once through a plate having holes not larger than 1.0 inch (25 mm) in 

diameter, unless otherwise specified. Alternatively, boneless beef may be chopped 

or machine cut by any method provided the texture and appearance of the product 

after final grinding is typical of ground beef prepared by grinding only. Beef must

be thoroughly blended at least once prior to final grinding. However, the ground 

beef must not be mixed after final grinding. Unless otherwise specified, final

grinding must be through a plate having holes 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) in diameter. The 

purchaser may specify the use of a bone collector/extruder system on the final 

grind (3/16-inch (5 mm) or smaller plate) to remove objectionable materials (bone, 

cartilage, connective tissue, etc.). For certification purposes, the purchaser may 

waive examination for trimming defects provided the use of a bone 

collector/extruder system isspecified.

When coarse ground beef is specified, boneless meat must be ground once 

through a plate having holes no larger than 1.0 inch (25 mm) and no smaller than

5⁄8-inch (16 mm) in diameter. Alternatively, the boneless meat may be ground twice, 

with the smallest plate having holes no larger than 1.0 inch (25 mm) and no smaller

than 3⁄4-inch (19 mm) in diameter. Coarse ground meat may be blended after

grinding or between grinds to assure uniformity of fat content. The term “coarse 

ground” must appear on the product label.

Unless otherwise specified, the fat content must be 20 percent fat. The purchaser

may specify a different fat content provided it does not exceed 30 percent.

Item No. 136A – Ground Beef and Soy Protein Product Patty Mix- This item is as

described in Item No. 136 except that soy protein product (SPP) must be added. 

Source (e.g., soy), Type1 (flour, concentrate, or isolate), and Texture (granular or 

textured) of SPP must be specified by the purchaser. The SPP may be used dry,

partially hydrated, or fully hydrated. If not specified, the dry SPP must be fully

hydrated to yield a minimum of 18 percent protein. To determine the maximum 

amount of water to be mixed with the dry VPP to yield 18 percent protein in the 

mixture, the following equation must be used:

The SPP must be hydrated for the length of time listed on the product label. If this

Equation

[(Percent Protein of SPP on “As-Is” Basis / 18) – 1] = x

x = maximum pounds of water to be added to each pound of dry 

SPP.
50

information is not available, the product must be hydrated until all wateris

absorbed. The purchaser must specify any level of substitution of hydrated SPP in 

the combined finished product up to 30 percent. If not specified, the maximum 

percent of hydrated protein product inthe combined finished product must not 

exceed 20 percent. The hydrated SPP must be used in the same working day in 

which it was hydrated. The hydrated SPP must be blended with the raw meat (in 

the specified ratio) following the initial reduction in size.

SPP hydrated and frozen by the SPP manufacturer may be used provided that: (1)

the protein content of the hydrated product (as specifically stated on the 

manufacturer's label) is not less than 18 percent: (2) the product may be tempered, 

but not thawed, prior to use; and (3) no additional water may be added.

Type Protein (%) As-Is Basis

Flour 50.0

Concentrate 65.0

Isolate 85.0

1

Any one or combination of the following types of SPP may be used. When a 

combination of these are produced by the SPP manufacturer, the amount of each 

type and minimum protein content (as is basis) of the mixture must be declared on 

the manufacturer's label.

Item No. 136C - Beef Patty Mix, NTE 10% Fat - This item is as described in Item 

No. 136 except that the fat content must not exceed 10 percent. Additional 

ingredients may be added to enhance product acceptability. Such ingredients must

not exceed 10 percent of the combined finished product. The purchaser may 

specify the ingredients that will be allowed.

Item No. 136D – Pure Beef - This item is as described in Item No. 136 except that 

the finely textured beef that is labeled as partially defatted chopped beef or that 

does not comply with the criteria listed in Item No. 136 may be used NTE 20 

percent by weight of the combined finished product.

Item No. 137 - Ground Beef, Special - This item is as described in Item No. 136 

except that not less than 50 percent, by weight, of any combination of boneless

primal rounds, loins, ribs, or square-cut chucks or subprimals derived from the 

primal portions (e.g., chuck rolls, shoulders, tips, bottom sirloin butts) of the carcass

must be used. The remaining portion, NTE50 percent by weight, may be 

composed of trimmings or cuts from any portion of the carcass. The purchaser 

may specify a grade requirement for the ‘primal’ portion and/or the remaining 

portion. Formulation requirements must be determined on a boneless basis. 

Primal or subprimal cuts which have more than a minor amount of lean removed 

are not eligible for the primal portion.
51

The purchaser may specify one of the following styles if ground beef derived from 

the primal portion as desired. Product produced in accordance with the following 

styles mustbe labeled accordingly.

Style Description

1 Ground Beef, Special - As specified above.

2

Ground Beef, Chuck - Ground beef chuck may be derived 

from any portion of any IMPS boneless chuck item.

However, shank meat must not exceed natural proportions 

(6.0 percent). Additionally, when the purchaser specifies fat 

content to be 20 percent or less or when the producer'slabel 

declares that the fat content of packaged ground beef chuck 

product is 20 percent or less, then the producer may be 

allowed to use foreshanks up to 50 percent of the formulation 

as a source for lean provided the shanks have been 

mechanically desinewed.

3

Ground Beef, Round - Ground beef round may be derived 

from any portion of any IMPS boneless round item.

However, shank meat must not exceed natural proportions 

(6.0 percent). Additionally, when the purchaser specifies fat 

content to be 15 percent or less or when the producer'slabel 

declares that the fat content of packaged ground beef round 

product is 15 percent or less, then the producer may be 

allowed to use hindshanks up to 50 percent of the formulation 

as a source for lean provided the shanks have been 

mechanically desinewed.

4

Ground Beef, Sirloin - Ground beef sirloin may be derived 

from any portion of any IMPS boneless sirloin item. When the

purchaser specifies fat content to be 15 percent or less or 

when the producer's label declares that the fat content of 

packaged ground beef sirloin product is 15 percent or less, 

then the producer may be allowed to use any portion of any 

IMPS tip item up to 50 percent of the formulation as a lean 

source.

Item No. 137A – Ground Beef and Soy Protein Product, Special - This item is 

as described in Item No. 137 except that soy protein product must be added as 

described in Item No. 136A.

Item No. 138 - Beef Trimmings - Beef trimmings may be prepared from any 

portion of the carcass which yields product that meets end item requirements. All

objectionable materials listed in the material requirements must be removed. 

Ground product is not permitted. Unless, otherwise specified by the purchaser, 
52

trimmings derived from automatic deboning machines and advance lean retrieval 

systems must be excluded. The purchaser may specify that the trimmings meet the

IMPS microbial requirements for ground beef as specified within the IMPS QAP.

Item No. 139 - Beef, Special Trim, Boneless - Beef trimmings may be prepared 

from any portion of the carcass which yields product that meets the end item

requirements. Unless otherwise specified, shank and heel meat must be excluded. 

When heel meat is allowed by the purchaser, the M. superficial digital flexor must

be removed from the M. gastrocnemius through the natural seams. Unless 

otherwise specified, trimmings must consist of pieces which have a surface area on 

one side which is no less than 8.0 square inches (51.6 sq. cm) and are no less 

than 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) thick at any point. All bones, cartilages, heavy connective 

tissue, detached Mm. cutaneous, and lymph glands must be removed. Trimmings 

must be practically free of surface and seam fat.

Item No. 140 – Beef, Hanging Tender (IM) – This item is a soft, grainy textured, 

elliptical shaped muscle that is attached to the diaphragm and the juncture of the 

lumbar/thoracic vertebrae.

Option No. Description

1

The heavy connective tissue within the center must be 

exposed and removed by a butterfly cut. The resulting 

product is sometimes referred to as ‘pillars’ or ‘hanger’.

Item No. 155 - Beef Hindquarter - The hindquarter is the posterior portion of the 

side after severance from the forequarter as described in Item No. 100.

Item No. 155A - Beef Hindquarter, Boneless - This item is prepared from Item 

No. 155 and must be boneless. The rib end must be exposed by a cut that follows 

the natural curvature of the 12th rib mark and exposes the M. spinalis dorsi not 

extending more than half the length of the M. longissimus dorsi. The tenderloin 

must be excluded unless otherwise specified by the purchaser. All bones, 

cartilages, prefemoral and popliteal lymph glands,hanging tender, kidney, and 

kidney knob must be removed. The tendinous ends of the shank and round tip

must be cut to evidence no less than 75 percent lean. The purchaser must specify 

if this item must remain intact or be separated into cuts.

Item No. 157 - Beef Hindshank - This item is prepared from Item No. 158. The

hindshank must be removed by a cut through the stifle joint that follows the natural 

seam between the shank and the heel (M. gastrocnemius and M. super digital

flexor). All hock bones and the gambrel cord must be removed.

Item No. 158 - Beef Round, Primal - This item consists of the round (top and 

bottom round, portion of the tip, rump, heel, and shank). The loin end must be 
53

exposed by a straight cut which is anterior to but not more than 1.0 inch (25 mm) 

from the posterior end of the protuberance of the femur pocket. The M. tensor 

fasciae latae must not extend completely around the outside of the sirloin tip 

(knuckle). No more than two vertebra must remain on the round. The M. obliquus 

abdominis internus (flap muscle) must be removed. This item is sometimes referred 

to as the ‘Beef Hip’.

Item No. 158A - Beef Round, Diamond-Cut - This item consists of the round (top, 

bottom, heel, rump, and shank) and the full sirloin tip (knuckle). The loin must be 

removed by two straight cuts which expose the ball of the femur (the protuberance 

may not be severed) and leaves the full sirloin Tip (knuckle) attached. The first cut

must start at a point passing through the 4th sacral vertebra and extend to the ball 

of the femur. The second cut must extend from the ball of the femur to a point on 

the ventral edge exposing the tensor fasciae latae extending completely around the 

outside of the sirloin tip (knuckle). The M. obliquus abdominis internus (flap 

muscle) must be removed. The full sirloin tip (knuckle) may be separated from the

round. If separated, it must be separated as described in Item No. 167, and

individually packaged and packed into the same container.

Item No. 158B – Beef Round, NY Style – This item is as described within Item 

No. 158A, except that the full tip (sirloin tip) must be excluded by cutting through the

natural seams so that the cut consists of the top, bottom, heel, rump, and shank. 

When the sirloin tip is removed by cutting through the natural seams and left 

attached to the bottom sirloin prior to separation of the round from the sirloin, then 

the sirloin tip may be referred to as beef loin, bottom sirloin, sirloin tip.

Item No. 159 - Beef Round, Primal, Boneless - This item is prepared from Item 

No. 158. The M. tensor fasciae latae must not extend completely around the 

outside of the sirloin tip (knuckle). The top (inside) round must include the M. 

semimembranosus, M. sartorius, M. adductor, M. gracilis, and M. pectineus and 

must be separated from the sirloin tip through the natural seam. All bones, 

cartilages, M. obliquus abdominis internus, the sacrociatic ligament, the lean and fat

that overlaid the sacrociatic ligament, the lean and fat (oyster) that overlaid the aitch

bone, the thick opaque portion of the M. gracilis membrane, and popliteal and

prefemoral lymph glands must be removed. The tendinous ends of the shank and

sirloin tip must be cut to evidence no less than 75 percent lean. The sirloin tip 

(knuckle) may be separated. If separated, it must be separated as described in 

Item No. 167, and individually packaged and packed into the same container.

Item No. 160 - Beef Round, Shank-Off, Semi-Boneless - This item is as prepared

in Item No. 158 except that the aitch bone, tail bones and the shank must be

removed. The shank is removed at the stifle joint by a cut through the natural 

seam between the heel and hindshank. The M. tensor fasciae latae must not 

extend completely around the outside of the sirlointip. The aitch bone, oyster 

(aitch bone overlying fat and lean), tail bones, sacrociatic ligament, the lean and fat 

that overlaid the ligament, the thick opaque portion of the M. gracilis membrane,
54

and exposed lymph glands must be removed. The sirloin tip (knuckle) may be

separated. If separated, it must be separated as described in Item No. 167, and 

individually packaged and packed into the same container.

Item No. 160A - Beef Round, Diamond Cut, Shank Off, Semi-Boneless - This 

item is prepared from ItemNo. 158A. The tail bones (sacral vertebrae), aitch bone

and shank must be removed. The shank is removed at the stifle joint by a cut 

through the natural seam between the heel and hindshank. On the loin end, the M. 

tensor fasciae latae must extend completely around the outside of the sirloin tip and 

the M. biceps femoris must be equal to or smaller than the M. gluteus medius. The 

sirloin tip may be separated. If separated, the sirloin tip must be separated as 

described in Item No. 167, and individually packaged and packed into the same 

container. The aitch bone (and overlying fat and lean (oyster)), tailbones,

sacrociatic ligament, the lean and fat that overlaid the ligament, the thick opaque 

portion of the M. gracilis membrane, and exposed lymph glands must be removed.

Item No. 160B - Beef Round, Heel and Shank-Off, Semi-Boneless - This item is

described in Item No. 160 except that the heel is removed by cutting through the 

natural seams.

Item No. 161 - Beef Round, Shank Off, Boneless - This item is as prepared in 

Item No. 159 except that the shank is removed as described in Item No. 160. 

Unless otherwise specified, the popliteal lymph gland must be removed.

Item No. 161A - Beef Round, Diamond Cut, Shank Off, Boneless - This item is as

described as in Item No. 160A except that the femur bone and related cartilage must

be removed. Unless otherwise specified, the popliteal lymph gland must be

removed.

Item No. 161B - Beef Round, Heel and Shank Off, Without Sirloin Tip 

(Knuckle), Boneless - This item is as described in Item No. 161 except that the 

heel and sirloin tip must be removed by cutting through natural seams.

Item No. 163 - Beef Round, Shank Off, 3-Way, Boneless - This item must

consist of the following IMPS Items that are individually packaged and packed into 

the same container:

Item No. Product Name

167 Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle)

169 Beef Round, Top (Inside)

170 Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck)

Item No. 163A - Round, Shank Off, 3-Way, Untrimmed, Boneless - This item
55

must consist of the following IMPS Items that are individually packaged and packed

into the same container:

Item No. Product Name

167 Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle)

168 Beef Round, Top (Inside), Untrimmed

171 Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck), Untrimmed

Item No. 164 - Beef Round, Rump and Shank Off - This item is prepared as

described in Item No. 158 except that the shank and rump are removed. The shank 

is removed as described in Item No. 160. The rump is removed from the loin end 

by a straight cut that exposes a cross section of the M. semitendinosus, a crosssection of the femur bone at a point which is posterior to the ball of the femur, and

does not sever the medial portion of the M. rectus femoris but may sever the M. 

vastus lateralis and/or main portion of the M. rectus femoris. The M. tensor fasciae 

latae must not extend completely around the outside of the sirloin tip. The aitch

bone (and overlying fat and lean (oyster)), tail bones, sacrociatic ligament, the lean 

and fat that overlaid the ligament, exposed lymph glands, and the thick opaque 

portion of the M. gracilis membrane must be removed. When specified by the 

purchaser, the sirloin tip may be separated. If separated, the sirloin tip must be 

separated as described in Item No. 167, and individually packaged and packed into 

the same container.

Item No. 165 - Beef Round, Rump and Shank Off, Boneless - This item is 

prepared as described in Item No. 164 except that all bones, cartilage, and lymph 

glands (including the popliteal) must be removed.

Item No. 165A - Beef Round, Rump and Shank Off, Boneless, Special - This 

item is as described in Item No. 164 except that the rump must be removed without

severing any portion of the sirloin tip (the M. vastus lateralis nor the M. rectus

femoris). All bones, cartilage,and lymph glands (including the popliteal) must be

removed.

Item No. 165B - Beef Round, Rump and Shank Off, Boneless, Special - This 

item is as described in Item No. 165A except that it must be netted or tied.

Item No. 166 - Beef Round, Rump and Shank Off, Boneless - This item is as 

described in Item No. 165 except that it must be netted or tied.

Item No. 166A - Beef Round, Rump Partially Removed, Shank Off - This item is

as prepared in Item No. 164 except the rump must be partially removed anterior to 

the top or inside round exposing the M. semitendinosus, the ball and the

protuberance of the femur (the ball may not be severed). The aitch bone (and
56

overlying fat and lean (oyster)), tail bones, sacrociatic ligament (and overlying lean 

and fat), exposed lymph glands, and the thick opaque portion of the M. gracilis 

membrane are removed along with the rump.

Item No. 166B - Beef Round, Rump and Shank Partially Off, Handle On - This 

item is as described in Item No. 164 except that the rump is removed by a straight 

cut which exposes the M. semitendinosus, and a cross section of the ball of the

femur. This cut does not sever the medial portion of the M. rectus femoris but may

sever the M. vastus lateralis and/or main portion of the M.rectus femoris. The shank

and heel meat must be removed from the shank bone by a straight cut perpendicular

to the ventral edge of the round that is posterior to, but no more than 2.0 inches (5.0

cm) from, the stifle joint leaving no more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm) of the shank 

bone (tibia) exposed and firmly intact. The exposed shank bone must be trimmed

practically free of lean. This item is commonly referred to as ‘Baron of Beef’ or 

‘Steamship Round’.

Item No. 167 - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) - This boneless item is

prepared from Item No. 158 and consists of the posterior portion of the full sirloin 

tip (M. vastus intermedius, M. vastus lateralis, M. vastus medialis, and M. rectus

femoris). The M. tensor fasciae latae, though not completely extending around the 

outside of the sirloin tip (knuckle) must be exposed on the loin end. A portion of the

M. sartorius may remain, if firmly attached. The loin end must expose the M. tensor

fasciae latae not completely extending around the outside of the sirloin tip. The 

sirloin tip is separated from the top (inside) round and bottom (gooseneck) round 

between thenatural seams. All bones and cartilages must be removed. The

tendinous end must be removed exposing no less than 75 percent lean. When 

specified, the sirloin tip must be split lengthwise into approximate equal portions.

Item No. 167A - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip, (Knuckle) Peeled - This boneless item 

is as prepared in Item No. 167 except that the M. tensor fasciae latae muscle, fat, 

and ‘skin’ tissue are removed. When smaller roasts are specified, the sirloin tip 

must be split lengthwise into approximate equal portions.

Option No. Description

1

The purchaser may specify that the M. vastus 

medialis and intermedius be removed.

Item No. 167B - Beef Round, Full Sirloin Tip - This boneless item is prepared 

from Item No. 158A or 158B and consists of the intact sirloin tip portion of the round

and the bottom sirloin (the M. rectus femoris, M. vastus medialis, M. vastus lateralis,

M. vastus intermedius) and M. tensor fasciae latae. The sirloin tip is separated 

from the top (inside) round,bottom (gooseneck) round, and the top sirloin between 

the natural seams. All bones, cartilages, and the M. obliquus abdominis internus 

mustbe removed. The tendinous end must be removed exposing no less than 75

percent lean. When smaller roasts are specified, the sirloin tip must be split 
57

lengthwise into approximate equal portions. When the sirloin tip is removed by

cutting through the natural seams and left attached to the bottom sirloin prior to

separation of the round from the sirloin, then the sirloin tip may be referred to as 

‘Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin, SirloinTip’.

Option No. Description

1

The purchaser may specify that the M. vastus 

medialis and intermedius be removed.

Item No. 167C - Beef Round, Sirloin (Full) Tip, Trimmed - This item is as 

described in Item No. 167B except that the M. tensor fascia latae, and skin tissue 

are removed. This item must be trimmed practically free of fat. When smaller roasts

are specified, the sirloin tip must be split lengthwise into approximate equal 

portions.

Item No. 167D - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Peeled, 2-Piece - This item 

is as described in Item Nos. 167A or 167C except that the M. vastus lateralis and 

the M. rectus femoris are separated by cutting through the seam. The M. sartorius, 

M. vastus medialis, and M. vastus intermedialis must be removed by cutting 

through the natural seams.

Item No. 167E – Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Center Roast (IM) – This 

item must consist of the M. rectus femoris only from any IMPS Round Sirloin Tip

item. It is separated from the muscles of the round as described within IMPS Item

167D.

Item No. 167F – Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Side Roast (IM) – This item 

consists of the M. vastus lateralis from any IMPS Round Sirloin tip item. It is 

separated from the muscles of the sirloin tip as described within IMPS Item 167D.

Item No. 168 - Beef Round, Top (Inside), Untrimmed - This boneless item

consists of the M. semimembranosus, M. sartorius, M. adductor, M. gracilis, and M. 

pectineus and is separated from the bottom round and sirloin tip through the natural

seams. The M. iliopsoas may remain if firmly attached. All bones, cartilages, and 

exposed lymph glands must beremoved.

Item No. 169 - Beef Round, Top (Inside) - This boneless item is as described in

Item No. 168 except that the thick opaque portion of the M. gracilis membrane must

be removed. When smaller roast are specified, the top round must be split by no 

more than 2 lengthwise cuts, and subsequent cuts, if necessary, must be made 

girthwise separating the item into approximate equal portions.

Option No. Description
58

1

The M. pectineus and M. sartorius are removed by 

cutting through the natural seams. This item is 

referred to as cap-on, side muscle off.

Item No. 169A - Beef Round, Top (Inside), Cap Off - This item is as described in

Item No. 169 except that the M. gracilis and the loose (soft) side (M. pectineus and 

M. sartorius) must be removed by cutting through the natural seams. This item is 

often referred to as COSMO (cap-off, side muscle off).

Option No. Description

1

The M. adductor must be removed and excluded by 

cutting through the natural seams.

Item No. 169B - Beef Round, Top (Inside), Cap (IM) - This item must consist of 

the M. gracilis from the top round that is removed as described in Item No. 169A.

Item No. 169C – Beef Round, Top (Inside), Front Side Muscle (IM) – This item 

must consist of the M. pectineus that is separated from the ventral (loose or soft 

side) side (adjacent to the sirloin tip) of the top round by cutting through the natural 

seams.

Item No. 169D – Beef Round, Top (Inside), Soft Side Removed – This item is as 

described within Item 169, except that the loose (soft) side (M. pectineus and M. 

sartorius) must be removed by cutting through the natural seams.

Item No. 169E – Beef Round, Top (Inside), One Muscle (IM) – This item consists 

of the M. adductor removed from the M. semimembranosus by cutting through the 

natural seam.

Item No. 170 - Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck) - This boneless item consists 

of the M. semitendinosus, M. biceps femoris, and heel and may contain the M. 

gluteus medius, M. gluteus accessorius, and M. gluteus profundus. The M. 

semitendinosus muscle must not be exposed on the loin end. The top round, 

sirloin tip, and shank are removed between the natural seams. All bones, 

cartilages, sacrociatic ligament, the lean and fat thatoverlaid the sacrociatic

ligament, popliteal lymph gland, and the heavy opaque connective tissue separating 

the bottom round from the sirloin tip must be removed.

Item No. 170A - Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck), Heel Out - This item is as 

prepared in Item No. 170 except that the heel is removed. The heel is removed 

along the natural seam adjacent to the M. semitendinosus and M. biceps femoris. 

When specified, the bottom round must be split into approximate equal portions by 

cutting at an approximate right angle to the length of the item.
59

Item No. 171 - Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck), Untrimmed - This item is as 

described in Item No. 170 except that the popliteal lymph gland, and the opaque 

heavy connective tissue (silver skin) along the ventral side may remain. All bones 

and cartilages must be removed.

Item No. 171A - Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck), Untrimmed, Heel Out - This 

item is as described in Item No. 171 except that the heel (M. superficial digital 

flexor and M. gastrocnemius) is removed along the natural seam adjacent to the M. 

semitendinosus and M. biceps femoris.

Item No. 171B - Beef Round, Outside Round (Flat)- This boneless item must

consist of the M. biceps femoris, and may contain the M. gluteus medius, M. 

gluteus profundus and M. gluteus accessorius. The loin end must expose the M. 

biceps femoris equal to or larger thanthe M. gluteus medius (when present). The

outside round is separated from the top round, Sirloin tip, heel, and M.

semitendinosus (eye of round) between the natural seams. All bones, cartilages, 

sacrociatic ligament and the lean and fat that overlaid the ligament, the opaque 

heavy connective tissue (silver skin) along the ventral side, and the popliteal lymph 

gland must be removed.

Option No. Description

1

After being trimmed to meet FLO 6 Peeled/Denuded, 

Surface Membrane Removed requirements, item may be 

split into two parts as in items 171D and 171E.

Item No. 171C - Beef Round, Eye of Round (IM) - This boneless item consists of 

the M. semitendinosus and must not be severed on either end. The eye is

separated from the top and outside rounds and heel between the natural seams.

Item No. 171D – Beef Round, Outside Round, Side Muscle Removed (IM) –

This item is as described in IMPS 171B, except that the side muscle (M. biceps 

femoris ischiatic head) is removed by cutting through the natural seam.

Item No. 171E – Beef Round, Outside Round, Side Roast, (IM) – This item must

consist of the M. biceps femoris ischiatic head, which is found on the dorsal portion 

of IMPS Item No. 171B.

Item No. 171F – Beef Round, Outside Round, Heel – This item consists of the

heel portion (M. superficial digital flexor and M. gastrocnemius) of the bottom round

(gooseneck). It is separated as described in IMPS No. 170A.

Option No. Description
60

1 The M. superficial digital flexor must be removed

Item No. 171G – Beef Round, Outside Round, Rump (IM) – This item must

consist of the anterior portion of the M. biceps femoris of IMPS 171B. The M. 

gluteus medius, M. gluteus profundis, and M. gluteus accessorius must be

excluded. The rump must be removed from the outside round by a cut that is at or

immediately anterior to the M. biceps femoris ischiatic head.

Item No. 172 - Beef Loin, Full Loin, Trimmed - This item is that portion of 

hindquarter remaining after removal of Item No. 158 and must consist of the short 

loin, sirloin and the 13th rib. The hanging tender, kidney and kidney knob, and 

excess internal fat mustbe removed. The rib end must follow the natural curvature 

of the 13th rib. The flank must be removed by a straight cut ventral to, but not more

than 6.0 inches (15.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end to a point on 

the round end which is ventral, to but not more than 1.0 inch (25 mm) from, the M. 

tensor fasciae latae. The fat covering the lumbar, sacral, and tenderloin regions

must be trimmed NTE 1.0 inch (25 mm) in depth at any point. Fat over the rib (on

the inside surface) must be removed.

Item No. 172A - Beef Loin, Full Loin, Diamond Cut, Trimmed- This item is as 

described in Item No. 172 except that the round must be removed by two straight

cuts. The first cut must start at a point passing through the 4th sacral vertebra and

extend to the ball of the femur. The second cut must extend from the ball of the

femur to a point on the ventral edge exposing the M. tensor fasciae latae extending 

completely around the outside of the sirloin tip (ifpresent).

Item No. 173 - Beef Loin, Short Loin - This item consists of the anterior section of

the loin and contains the 13th rib. The rib end must follow the natural curvature of

the 13th rib. The sirloin must be removed by a straight cut anterior to the hip 

cartilage, forming an approximate right angle with the length of the short loin that 

exposes the M. gluteus medius. The flank must be removed by a straight cut 

ventral to but not more than 6.0 inches (15.0 cm) from the M. longissimus dorsi at

the rib end to a point on the sirloin end that is ventral to, but not more than 10.0 

inches (25.4 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi. The fat covering the lumbar, 

sacral, and tenderloin regions must be trimmed NTE 1.0 inch (25 mm) in depth at 

any point. Fat over the rib (on the inside surface) and the hanging tender must be 

removed.

Item No. 174 - Beef Loin, Short Loin, Short-Cut - This item is as prepared in Item 

No. 173 except that the flank must be removed by a straight cut ventral, to but not 

more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end to a 

point on the sirloin end ventral to, but not more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from, the 

M. longissimus dorsi.

PSO’s for flank removal by a straight cut are as follows. (Rib end x Sirloin end)
61

Option No. Description

1 1.0 in. (25 mm) x 1.0 in. (25 mm)

2 1.0 in. (25 mm) x 0 in.

3 Other

Item No. 175 - Beef Loin, Strip Loin, Bone In - This item is as prepared in Item 

No. 173 except that the tenderloin and the protruding edge of the chine bones are

removed. The chine bones must be removed along the dorsal edge of the spinal 

grove without scoring the M. longissimus dorsi (when exposed). The flank must be

removed by a straight cut ventral, to but not more than 6.0 inches (15.0 cm) from, the

M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end to a point on the sirloin end ventral to, but not 

more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm) from, the M. longissimusdorsi.

The PSO’s for flank removal by a straight cut are as follows. (Rib end x Sirloin end)

Option No. Description

1 4 in. (10.0 cm) x 3 in. (7.5 cm)

2 3 in. (7.5 cm) x 2 in. (5.0 cm)

3 1 in. (25 mm) x 1 in.

4 1 x 0

5 0 x 0

6 Other

Item No. 176 – Beef Loin, Steak Tail – This item may contain any combination of 

the M. obliquus abdominis externus and M. obliquus abdominis internus that are 

found ventral to the M. longissimus dorsi on the hind quarter. Unless otherwise 

specified by the purchaser, Fat Limitation Option 4 (FLO 4), Practically Free of Fat 

(75% lean/seamed surface exposed), must apply. This item is commonly sold as 

special trim.

Item No. 180 - Beef Loin, Strip Loin, Boneless - This item is boneless and 

consist of the anterior section of the loin and contains the 13th rib mark. The 

hanging tender and tenderloin must be removed. The rib end must follow the 

natural curvature of the 13th rib mark. The sirloin end must be anterior to the hip 

cartilage, forming an approximate right angle with the length of the short loin, and

exposes the M. gluteus medius. The flank side must be ventral to, but not more

than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end to a point on 
62

the sirloin end ventral to, but not more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from the M. 

longissimusdorsi.

The PSO’s for flank removal by a straight cut are as follows. (Rib end x Sirloin end)

Option No. Description

1 2 in. (5.0 cm) x 1 in. (25 mm)

2 1 in. (25 mm) x 0 in.

3 1 in. x 1 in.

4 0 x 0

5 Other

Item No. 181 - Beef Loin, Sirloin - This item is the posterior section of the full loin. 

The short loin must be removed by a straight cut anterior to the hip cartilage and 

approximately parallel with the round end exposing the M.gluteus medius. The 

round must be removed bya straight cut anterior to the ball and/or protuberance of

the femur. The flank must be removed by a straight cut ventral to, but not more than

10.0 inches (25.4 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi on the short loin end to a point 

on the round end ventral to, but not more than 1.0 inch (25 mm) from, the M. tensor

fasciae latae. The fat covering the lumbar, sacral, and tenderloin regions must be 

trimmed NTE 1.0 inch (25 mm) in depth at any point.

Item No. 181A - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin, Bone In - This item is described in Item 

No. 181 except that the bottom sirloin and butt tender are removed. The bottom 

sirloin must be removed by a straight cut along the natural seam (between the M. 

gluteus medius and sirloin tip) and continues to the outside surface leaving a 

portion of the M. tensor fasciae latae attached to thetop sirloin. The butt tender is

excluded by separating it from the hip bone. The protruding points of the hip bone 

socket and the first sacral vertebrae must be removed to facilitate handling and

packaging.

Item No. 182 - Beef Loin, Sirloin Butt, Boneless - This item is prepared from 

Item No. 181. The short loin must be removed by a straight cut anterior to, but not

more than 1.0 inch (25 mm) from, the posterior end of the hip pocket and is

approximately parallel to the round end exposing the M. gluteus medius. The round 

must be removed by a straight cut exposing the M. biceps femoris approximately 

equal to or larger than the M. gluteus medius. The M. tensor fasciae latae must not 

extend completely around the outside of theSirloin tip. The flank must be removed 

by a straight cut ventral to, but not more than 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) from, the M. 

longissimus dorsi on the short loin end to a point on the round end ventral to, but not

more than 1.0 inch (25 mm) from, the M. tensor fasciae latae. All bones, cartilages, 

tenderloin, and the sacrociatic ligament, and the lean and fat which overlaid the 
63

ligament must beremoved.

Item No. 183 - Beef Loin, Sirloin Butt, Trimmed, Boneless - This item is as

described in Item No. 182 except that the M. obliquus abdominis internus and the 

underlying connective tissue must be removed. The fat exposed by the removal of

the M. obliquus abdominis internus must be exempt from any specified fat depth

requirements.

Item No. 184 - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Boneless - This item is prepared from 

Item No. 182 and contains the M. gluteus medius, M. gluteus accessorius, M.

gluteus profundus, and the M. biceps femoris. The short loin end must be 

approximately parallel to the round end exposing the M. gluteus medius. On the 

round end, the M. biceps femoris must be approximately equal to or larger than the 

M. gluteus medius. The bottom sirloin must be removed by a cutting along the 

natural seam (between the M. rectus femoris and M. gluteus medius) and 

continues to the outside surface leaving a portion of the M. tensor fasciae latae 

attached to the top sirloin butt. The butt tender is also excluded. All bones,

cartilages, tenderloin, and the sacrociatic ligament and the lean and fat which 

overlaid the ligament must be removed.

Item No. 184A - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Cap-Off, Boneless - This item is as 

described in Item No. 184 except that the M. biceps femoris (cap) must be

removed. When smaller roasts are specified, this item must be split lengthwise into

approximate equal portions.

Item No. 184B - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Center-Cut, Cap-Off, Boneless (IM)

- This item is as describe in Item No. 184 except that all muscles other than the M.

gluteus medius must be removed. The flakes of surface fat remaining over the

gluteus medius must not exceed 1 inch (2.5 cm) in their dimension nor 0.125 inch in 

depth at any one point. When smaller roasts are specified, this item must be split 

lengthwise into approximate equalportions.

Option No. Description

1

When specified, the dorsal portion of the M. gluteus medius 

must be detached, from the main portion, by cutting through 

the seam. The two pieces must be packaged and placed 

within the same shipping container.

Item No. 184C - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Untrimmed, Boneless - This item is 

as described in Item No. 184 except that the sacrociatic ligament may remain.

Item No. 184D - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Cap (IM) - This item must consist of 

the M. biceps femoris which is removed from Item No. 184 by cutting through the 

natural seams. This item is sometimes referred to as the “Coulotte”.
64

Item No. 184E - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, 2 Piece, Boneless - This item is as

described in Item No. 184 except that the cap muscle must be separated from the

top sirloin. The pieces must be trimmed to comply with specified fat thickness 

requirements and packagedtogether.

Item No. 184F – Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Center-Cut, Seamed, Dorsal Side, 

Boneless (IM) – This item must consist of the dorsal portion of the M. gluteus 

medius and must be removed, from the main portion, by cutting through the seam. 

This cut is sometimes referred to as the ‘baseball cut’.

Item No. 185 - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Boneless - This item is prepared 

from Item No. 182 and contains the M. tensor fasciae latae (tri tip); M. vastus

medialis, M. vastus lateralis, and M. rectus femoris (ball tip); and the M. obliquus 

abdominis internus (flap). The short loin side must be approximately parallel to the

round end. The round end must not expose the M. tensor fasciae latae extending 

completely around the outside of the sirloin tip. The top sirloin side must not

expose the M. gluteus medius but may expose the M. tensor fasciae latae and/or 

tip. The flank side must be exposed by a straight cut that is not more than 4.0 inches

(10.0 cm) in length on the short loin end to a point on the round end ventral to but 

not more than1.0 inch (25 mm) from the M. tensor fasciae latae. All bones and 

cartilages must be removed.

Item No. 185A - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Flap, Boneless (IM) - This item 

consistsof the M. obliquus abdominis internus from the hindquarter and bottom 

sirloin butt which is separated from the ball tip and M. tensor fasciae latae through 

the natural seam. All bones, cartilages, and heavy connective tissue must be

removed.

Item No. 185B - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Ball Tip, Boneless - This item 

consists of the M. vastus medialis, M. vastus lateralis, and M. rectus femoris (ball 

tip), from the bottom sirloin butt and or the anterior porting of a full sirloin tip. The 

M. tensor fasciae latae and M. obliquus abdominis internus are separated from the 

ball tip through the natural seam. All bones, cartilages, and outside ‘skin’ tissue 

must be removed.

Item No. 185C - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip, Boneless (IM) - This 

item consists of the M. tensor fasciae latae from the bottom sirloin butt and is 

separated from the ball tip and M. obliquus abdominis internus through the natural

seam. All bones, cartilages, and connective tissue must be removed.

Item No. 185D - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip, Defatted, Boneless -

This item is as described in Item No. 185C except that it must be trimmed 

practically free offat.
65

Item No. 186 - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Boneless, Trimmed - This item is 

as described in Item No. 185 except that the M. obliquus abdominis internus and 

underlying connective tissue are removed.

Item No. 188 – Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Bone-in – This item is derived from a short 

loin and consists of the consists of M. psoas major and M. psoas minor, attached to 

the transverse process of the lumbar vertebra. The anterior end must be removed so

that the psoas major is no less than 2.5 inches (6.25 cm) in the longest dimension.

Item No. 189 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full – This item is derived from a full loin as 

described in either Item Nos. 172 or 172A. The boneless item must consist of the 

M. psoas major, M. psoas minor, M. iliacus, and may show the presence of the M.

sartorius. The M. obliquus abdominis internus (flap), if present, must be trimmed

level with the fat surface. The sirloin butt end of the tenderloin must expose the M. 

psoas major, M. iliacus, and M. sartorius (when present). The surface fat must be

trimmed NTE 3⁄4-inch (19 mm) in depth at any point, from the posterior end to the 

exposed lymph gland and must be tapered down to the lean at a point not beyond 

3⁄4 of the length of the tenderloin. The tenderloin must be trimmed free of ragged

edges. All bones and cartilages must be removed. A score into the tenderloin

exceeding 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) in depth is not acceptable.

Item No. 189A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle On, Defatted - This 

item is as described in Item No. 189 except that it must be practically free of surface

and wing fat (fat lying between the main body of the tenderloin and the M. iliacus 

(wingmuscle).

Item No. 189B - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle On, Partially Defatted

- This item is as described in Item No. 189 except that it must be practically free of 

surface fat. The wing fat may remain.

Item No. 190 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle Off, Defatted - This item 

is as described in Item No. 189A except that the M. psoas minor (side muscle) 

must be removed. The principal membranous tissue over the M. psoas major must

remain intact.

Item No. 190A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle Off, Skinned - This 

item is as described in Item No. 190 except that the principal membranous tissue 

covering the M. psoas major must be removed.

Item No. 190B - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle Off, Center-Cut, 

Skinned

(IM) - This item is as described in Item No. 190A except that the tenderloin tail (Item

No. 192A) and butt tenderloin (Item No. 191A) must be removed. This item is 

sometime referred to as a ‘barrel’ cut.
66

Item No. 191 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Butt - This item must consist of the sirloin

butt portion of the tenderloin. The sirloin, or butt end, must expose the M. psoas 

major, M. psoas minor, M. iliacus, and if present, the M. sartorius. Further the 

obliquus abdominis internus (flap), if also present, must be trimmed level with the

fat surface. The anterior, or short loin, end must be exposed by a straight cut that 

exposes the M. psoas major and the M. psoas minor no further along the length of 

the tenderloin than 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) beyond the M. iliacus. The surface fat must be 

trimmed NTE 3⁄4-inch (19 mm) in depth at any point. The large lymph gland must be 

exposed. All bones, cartilages, and M. quadratus lumborum must be removed. A

score into the tenderloin exceeding 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) is not acceptable.

Item No. 191A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Butt, Defatted - This item is as describe 

in Item No. 191 except that the surface and wing fat must be trimmed practically 

free.

Item No. 191B - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Butt, Skinned - This item is as described 

in Item No. 191A except that the principal membranous tissue covering the M. 

psoas major must be removed.

Item No. 192 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Short - This item must consist of the short

loin portion of the tenderloin and must consist of the M. psoas major and M. psoas 

minor. The posteriorend must only expose the M. psoas major and M. psoas minor. 

The fat must be trimmed NTE 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) in depth at any point over the M.

psoas major at the posterior end and must be tapered down over the M. psoas 

major to the anterior end of the tenderloin. All bones, cartilages, and ragged edges 

must be removed. A score into the tenderloin exceeding 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) in depth is 

not acceptable.

Item No. 192A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Tails - This item must consist of the thin 

portion of the M. psoas major. The M. psoas minor may remain, if firmly attached.

Item No. 193 – Beef Flank, Flank Steak (IM) - This item consists of the M. rectus 

abdominis from the flank region and is separated from the M. transversus 

abdominis, M. obliquus abdominis internus, and M. obliquus abdominis externus 

through the natural seams. This item must be practically free of fat and the 

membranous tissue.

Item No. 194 - Beef Chuck and Flank, Rose Meat (IM). This boneless item must

consist of the M. cutaneous trunci and the M. cutaneous omobrachialis muscles, an 

external muscle that is connected to the posterior deep pectoral muscle and the

tendon of the M. latissimus dorsi and to the fascia above the stifle. It lies on the 

outside of the carcass and spans from the chuck to the flank. It is usually pulled in 

the fabrication area while the carcass is still hanging and before primal splitting. It 

is separated from the items 114, 121, and 123. Because of its flat, triangular-like 

shape, this item is often referred to as the ‘elephant ear’ and ‘shoulder rose meat’

because the meat has a lighter red color than most of the interior muscles of the
67

carcass.

Option No. Description

1

Product obtained from the chuck primal(s) (M. 

cutaneous omobrachialis) must be called ‘Shoulder 

Rose’ meat

2

Purchaser may request that this muscle be 

completely trimmed of all fat and connective tissue

8.3 Portion Cut Descriptions

To be evaluated for end item requirements as in the IMPS QAP.

Item No. 1100 - Beef Cubed Steak - Cube steaks must be prepared from any 

portion of the carcass which yields product that meets the end item requirements. 

However, shank and heel meat must be excluded. Unless otherwise specified, the 

steaks must be cubed twice at approximate right angles. Knitting of 2 or more 

pieces and folding the meat when cubing is permissible. After cubing, surface and 

seam fat must not exceed 15 percent of the total area on either side of the steak. 

Individual steaks must remain intact when suspended 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) from the

outer edge. The steaks must be free of heavy connective tissue, bones, cartilages,

and lymph glands. This item may also be referred to as ‘minute’, ‘delicated’ or ‘fast 

fry’ steak.

Item No. 1101 - Beef Cubed Steak, Special - This item is as described in Item 

No. 1100 except the steaks must be prepared from any combination of lean from 

the round, loin, rib, or chuck sections (excluding shank and heel meat) of the

carcass. Knitting of two or more pieces and folding the meat when cubing is not 

permissible. This item may also be referred to as ‘minute’, ‘delicated’, or ‘fast fry’

steak.

Item No. 1102 - Beef Braising Steak, Swiss - Braising steaks must be prepared 

from any combination of lean from the round, loin, rib, or chuck sections (excluding

shank and heel meat) of the carcass which yields product that meets the end item

requirements. The steaks must be free of heavy connective tissue, bones,

cartilages, and lymph glands. When specified, the raw materials or the steaks must

be mechanically tenderized by using the multiple probe method (pinning) not more 

than one time. Pressing, knitting, or folding two pieces of meat together is not

permissible. Surface and seam fat must not exceed an average of 1⁄4-inch (6 mm)

in thickness and the thickness at any one point must not exceed 1⁄2-inch (13 mm). 

Surface fat, measuring 0.1 inch (2 mm) or more in thickness, must not exceed 50 

percent of the circumference of the steak. Individual steaks must remain intact 

when suspended 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) from the outer edge. Alternatively, the purchaser 

may specify surface and seam fat limitations in terms of maximum surface area
68

percentage. Both surface and seam fat of the total cut surface on either side of the 

steak must not exceed the percentage specified by the purchaser.

Item No. 1103 - Beef Rib, Rib Steak, Bone-In - Rib steaks may be prepared from 

any IMPS bone-in rib item. The blade bone and related cartilage, feather bones,

chine bones, backstrap, and those muscles that are immediately below (M. 

subscapularis and M. rhomboideus) and above (M. latissimus dorsi, M. 

infraspinatus, and M. trapezius) the blade bone and related cartilages must be

removed. The short ribs must be removed at a point which is no more than 3.0 

inches (7.5 cm) from the ventral edge of the M. longissimus dorsi.

Item No. 1103A - Beef Rib, Rib Steak, Boneless - Rib steaks must be as 

described in Item No. 1103 except that all bones, cartilages, and M. intercostales 

interni must be removed.

Item No. 1103B – Beef Rib, Rib Steak, Frenched, Bone-In – This item is 

prepared as described in Item No. 1103 except that each steak must be cut 

between the ribs bones. The rib bone must be completely trimmed of the M.

intercostales interni (frenched) and fat so that the bone is exposed from the ventral 

edge of the M. longissimus dorsi to the end of the rib bone. This item is often 

referred to as a ‘Cowboy Steak’.

Option No. Description

1

Purchaser may specify that the rib be prepared as a 

roast, but instead of being cut into steaks, it remains 

intact.

2

Purchaser may request that the rib be prepared as a 

roast as in PSO 1 and then partially cut into steaks and 

the balance left as a roast.

3

Purchaser may request that the rib steaks be split into 

two steaks by a saw cut through the center of one 

bone.

4

Purchaser may request that the item be cut from an 

Item No. 103 rib with the full rib bone attached. This 

item is commonly referred to as a ‘Tomahawk Steak’.

5 Purchaser may specify the length of rib bone 

exposed.

Item No. 1112 - Beef Rib, Ribeye Roll Steak, Boneless - Ribeye roll steaks must

be prepared from any IMPS ribeye roll item. The lip must be removed exposing the

natural seam immediately ventral to the M. longissimus dorsi. This item is 

sometimes referred to as ‘tailoff’.
69

Item No. 1112A - Beef Rib, Ribeye Steak, Lip-On, Boneless - Ribeye steaks, lipon must be prepared from Item No. 112A. The short rib side must be exposed by a 

straight cut which is ventral to, but no more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from, the M. 

longissimus dorsi leaving the lip firmly attached.

Item No. 1112B - Beef Rib, Ribeye Steak, Lip-On, Short Cut, Boneless - Ribeye 

steaks, lip-on must be as described in Item No. 1112A except that the short rib side

must be exposed by a straight cut which is ventral to, but no more than 1.0 inch (25 

mm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi.

Item No. 1112C – Beef Rib, Ribeye Steak – Ribeye steaks must be derived from 

the M. longissimus dorsi from any ribeye roll item. When uniform thickness and 

portion weights are specified, the ribeye may be portioned by cutting several steaks 

starting from the anterior end (where the M. longissimus dorsi is smaller in 

diameter) and stopping at a point where the M. longissimus dorsi is larger and more

uniform in diameter. The remainder of the M. longissimus dorsi must be split by a 

lengthwise cut into two approximate equal in size sections and then sliced into 

steaks meeting purchaser specified thickness and weight. This item is commonly 

referred to as a ‘Ribeye Filet’.

Item No. 1112D - Beef Rib, Ribeye Cap Steak - Boneless ribeye cap steaks must

be prepared from the Mm. spinalis dorsi/multifidus dorsi muscle from any ribeye roll

item. For portioning, slice the ribeye cap at a right angle to the grain or direction of 

muscle fibers.

Item No. 1114D - Beef Chuck, Shoulder, Top Blade Steak (IM) - Top blade 

steaks must be prepared from Item No. 114D.

Option No. Description

1

Top Blade Steaks must be prepared from Item 114D 

which has been trimmed to comply with PSO #1. This 

item is often referred to as the ‘Flat Iron’.

Item No. 1114E – Beef Chuck, Shoulder, Arm Steak, Boneless – The boneless 

arm steaks must be prepared from Item No. 114E after the M. triceps brachii 

medial head has been removed. The steaks will be sliced across the grain of the 

M. triceps brachii long head.

Option No. Description
70

1

Purchaser may request that this item be prepared from 

only the M. triceps brachii long head and a small portion

of the M. triceps brachii lateral head at the thick end of 

the clod, after removal of other muscles identified in 

Item no. 114E. In addition, the heavy part of the elbow

tendon should be removed and the item should be 

trimmed of all fat and connective tissue. These steaks

are commonly referred to as ‘RanchSteaks’.

Item No. 1114F - Beef Chuck, Shoulder Tender, Portioned (IM)- This item must

be prepared from item No. 114F, Beef Chuck, Shoulder Tender (IM), PSO 1. The

individual steaks, sometimes referred to as ‘Petite Tender Medallions’, must be 

prepared by a straight cut across the grain in accordance with the purchaser’s 

specification with respect to thickness or weight.

Item No. 1116D - Beef Chuck, Chuck Eye Roll Steak, Boneless - Chuck eye roll

steaks must be prepared from Item No. 116D.

Option No. Description

1

The purchaser may specify steaks to be derived from the 

portion of the chuck eye roll that has the M. longissimus

dorsi present. The M. longissimus dorsi must be present

on at least one side of the steak. This item is sometimes

referred to as ‘Beef Chuck, Delmonico Steak’.

2

Steaks made from the chuck eye roll may be by cut into 

two pieces by slicing the steaks with cuts that start at the 

ventral side and ends at a point on dorsal side (where the 

feather bones were). Alternatively, the chuck eye roll may

be cut into two approximate equal sized portions by 

making a lengthwise cut which starts at the ventral side to a

point on the dorsal edge (where the feather bones were), 

then sliced into portions. This item is often referred to as a

‘boneless country style ribs’.

Item No. 1116G – Beef Chuck, Under Blade, Center Cut Steak – This item must

be prepared from any portion of the M. serratus ventralis as described within Item 

No. 116G and made into steaks by slicing across the grain. This item is sometimes 

referred to as ‘Denver Cut’.

Item No. 1116H – Beef Chuck, Chuck Eye Steak – This item must be prepared 

from the M. complexus as described within Item No. 116H.
71

Item No. 1121D - Beef Plate, Inside Skirt Steak , Boneless (IM)- The steaks 

must be prepared from Item No. 121D.

Item No. 1121E - Beef Plate, Outside Skirt Steak, Skinned (IM) - The steaks 

must be prepared from Item No. 121E.

Item No. 1123 - Beef Short Ribs, Bone-In - This item may be prepared from any

IMPS beef chuck, rib, or plate short rib item. This item must consist of the ribs, M.

intercostales interni and M. serratus ventralis intact. The M. serratus ventralis must

be continuous across both the dorsal and ventral side of the specified number of

ribs. The ribs must be cut flanken style (e.g., cutting at a right angle to the rib 

bones) to specified thickness. The purchaser must specify both the width of the cut 

and the number of ribs in each portion.

Purchasers also have the option to request that the bone in short ribs be prepared

from product described in Item Nos. 123A, 123B, or 123C.

Purchasers who desire a boneless short rib should specify that the item be prepared

from Item No. 123D or 130A.

Item No. 1130 Beef Chuck, Short Rib, Bone In - This item may be prepared from 

a chuck short rib as described in Item No. 130. The bone in short rib must consist of

the ribs, intercostal meat, and the intact M. serratus ventralis muscle. The M. 

serratus ventralis muscle must be continuous across both the dorsal and ventral 

side of the specified portion. The ribs must be cut flanken-style by cutting them at a

right angle to the rib bones. Purchaser may specify both the width of the cut and 

the number of ribs in each portion.

Purchasers who desire a boneless chuck short rib should specify that the item be

prepared from Item No. 130A.

The purchaser may specify the following options for Item Nos. 1136, 1136A, 

1136B, 1136C, 1137, and 1137A.

Option No. Description

1 Perforations (to facilitate heat transfer during cooking)

2 Shape (oval, round, square, etc.)

3 Style (plate fill method, etc.)

Item No. 1136 - Ground Beef Patties - The patties must be prepared from Item 

No. 136. Patties must be frozen unless specified fresh.
72

Item No. 1136A – Ground Beef and Soy Protein Product Patties - The patties 

must be prepared from Item No. 136A. Patties must be frozen unless specified

fresh.

Item No. 1136C - Beef Patties, NTE 10% Fat- The patties must be prepared from 

Item No. 136C.

Item No. 1136D – Pure Beef Patties – The patties must be prepared from Item 

No. 136D.

Item No. 1137 - Ground Beef Patties, Special - The patties must be prepared 

from Item No. 137.

Item No. 1137A - Beef and Soy Protein Product Patties, Special - The patties 

must be prepared from Item No. 137A.

Item No. 1138 - Beef Steaks, Flaked and Formed, Frozen - The steaks must be 

prepared from boneless beef that complies with the material requirements of Item 

No. 136 and must be flaked (grinding is not permitted) and formed. The flaking and 

forming process must be in compliance with FSIS Regulations. Product must

comply with fat content requirements of Item No. 136. The purchaser must specify

shape and weight of steaks. When specified, the flaked and formed steaks may be 

cubed (the term “cubed” may be included in the product label). When specified the 

steaks must be breaded and labeled appropriately. The breading and its 

application must be in accordance with FSIS Regulations.

Item No. 1138A - Beef Sandwich Steaks, Flaked, Chopped, Formed and Wafer 

Sliced, Frozen - The steaks must be prepared from boneless beef that complies 

with the material requirements of Item No. 136. The flaking, chopping, forming, 

and slicing process must be in compliance with FSIS Regulations and must

produce steaks which are moderately fine textured. Product must comply with fat 

content requirements of Item No. 136. Each steak must consist of two or more thin

slices weighing approximately one ounce each. No more than a minor amount of 

green/brown/gray rings must be present. Steaks must be packaged with paper 

separators between each steak. Unless otherwise specified, slices must be

approximately 4.75 x 7.5 inches (12.0 x 19.1 cm). The purchaser must specify

weight and/or number of slices per steak.

Item No. 1138B - Beef Steaks, Sliced and Formed, Frozen - The steak must be 

prepared from boneless beef that complies with Item No. 139. The slicing and 

forming process must be in accordance with FSIS Regulations. Ingredients may be 

added for the purpose of tenderizing and binding and must appear on the product

label. The purchaser must specify weight, shape, and/or thickness of steaks.

Item No. 1139 – Beef Slices, Frozen – This item must be derived from IMPS IM 
73

cut or cuts specified by the purchaser.

Item No. 1140 – Beef Hanging Tender Steak - This item must be prepared from 

Item No. 140 - Hanging Tender (IM) by straight cuts across the grain along the

length of the hanging tender to the specifications of the purchaser for size. The 

steaks must be trimmed along the edges and top and bottom sides so that the 

steaks are free of any heavy connective tissue or loose fat. The steak is sometimes 

referred to as a ‘hanger steak’, ‘onglet steak’ or ‘pillar’.

Item No. 1150 - Beef Top Side Steak, Boneless - This item may be derived from

any IMPS rib or loin item and must consist of the M. longissimus dorsi and M.

multifidus dorsi and may contain the M. gluteus medius and M. spinalis dorsi. All 

bones, cartilages, backstrap, heavy connective tissue and fat overlying the heavy

connective tissue on the dorsal edge of the steaks must be removed. The boneless

rib/loin may be separated by a lengthwise cut into sections to accommodate the 

cutting of specified portion size (thickness and/or weight) steaks. Unless otherwise 

specified, this item must be trimmed practically free of surface fat.

Item No. 1167 - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak - The steaks must be

prepared from any IMPS Tip Item. The Tip may be separated lengthwise into 

sections to accommodate the cutting of specified portion size steaks.

Item No. 1167A - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak, Peeled - The steaks 

must be prepared from any IMPS Tip Item. The M. tensor fasciae latae, fat, and 

"skin" tissue must not be present. The Tip may be separated lengthwise into

sections to accommodate the cutting of specified portion size steaks.

Option No. Description

1 The purchaser may specify that the Mm. vastus 

medialis and intermedius be removed.

Item No. 1167D - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak, Peeled, Special -

This item must be prepared from any IMPS Sirloin Tip(Knuckle) Item. The M. 

tensor fasciae latae, M. vastus medialis, M. vastus intermedialis, and M. sartorius 

must be removed by cutting through the seams. Fat, "skin" tissue, and heavy 

opaque connective tissue must be removed. The remaining muscles (M. vastus 

lateralis and M. rectus femoris) must be separated by cutting through the natural

seam and made into specified portion size or thickness by slicing the pieces at a 

right angle to the grain (muscle fibers).

Item No. 1167E – Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Center Steak (IM) – This 

item must consist of the M. rectus femoris only from any IMPS Round Sirloin Tip 

(Knuckle) Item.

Item No. 1167F – Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Side Steak (IM) – This item
74

consists of the M. vastus lateralis from any IMPS Round Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Item. 

It is sliced perpendicular to the grain.

Item No. 1169 - Beef Round, Top (Inside) Round Steak – The steaks must be

prepared from any IMPS top (inside) round item. The thick opaque portion of the 

M. gracilis membrane must be removed. The top round may be separated 

lengthwise into sections to accommodate the cutting of specified portion size

steaks.

Item No. 1169A – Beef Round, Top (Inside) Cap Off, Round Steak – This item 

must be prepared from Item No. 169A. The cap off inside round may be separated

lengthwise into sections to accommodate the cutting of specified portion size

steaks.

Option No. Description

1 The purchaser may specify the removal of the M. adductor.

Item No. 1169C – Beef Round Top (Inside) Round, Front Side Steak – This item 

must be prepared from the M. pectineus from the soft side of the inside round.

Item No. 1170A - Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck) Round Steak - The 

steaks must be prepared from ItemNo. 170A. The bottom round may be separated

lengthwise into sections to accommodate the cutting of specified portion size

steaks.

Item No. 1171D – Beef Round, Outside Round Steak (IM) – This item is derived

from the M. biceps femoris (with the side muscle (M. biceps femoris ischiatic head) 

removed) as described in IMPS 171D. The steaks must be made by slicing 

perpendicular to the grain of the muscles. This item is sometimes referred to as a 

‘western griller steak’.

Item No. 1171G – Beef Outside Round, Rump Steak (IM) – This item must

consist of the anterior portion of the M. biceps femoris of IMPS 171B. The M. 

gluteus medius, M. gluteus profundis, and M. gluteus accessorius must be

excluded. The rump must be removed from the outside round by a cut that is at or

immediately anterior to the M. biceps femoris, ischiatic head.

The purchaser may specify the following tail length options for Item Nos. 1173, 

1174, 1179, 1179A, 1180, and 1180A. If not specified, the tail length will not exceed

1.0 inch (25 mm) from the M. longissimus dorsi.

Option No. Description
75

1 4.0 inch (10.0 cm)

2 3.0 inch (7.5 cm)

3 2.0 inch (5.0 cm)

4 1.0 inch (25 mm)

5 No tail (trimmed to meet specified fat trim)

6 Other

Item No. 1173 - Beef Loin, Porterhouse Steak - The steaks must be prepared

from any IMPS short loin item. The maximum width of the tenderloin must be at 

least 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) when measured parallel to the length of the back bone.

Item No. 1174 - Beef Loin, T- Bone Steak - The steaks must be prepared from any

IMPS short loin item. The maximum width of the tenderloin must be at least 1⁄2-inch 

(13 mm) when measured parallel to the length of the back bone.

Item No. 1179 - Beef Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Bone-In - The steaks must be

prepared from any IMPS bone-in strip loin or short loin item. The protruding edge 

of the chine bone must be removed so that no portion of the spinal groove is

present.

Item No. 1179A - Beef Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Center-Cut, Bone-In - This item is 

prepared from any IMPS bone-in strip loin or short loin item that has the posterior

portion of the strip loin removed at or anterior to the M. gluteus medius. The M. 

gluteus medius, if present, may appear only on one side of the steak.

Item No. 1180 - Beef Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Boneless - The steaks must be 

prepared from any IMPS boneless strip loin or short loin item. All bones and 

cartilages must be removed.

Item No. 1180A - Beef Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Center-Cut, Boneless -This item 

is prepared from any boneless strip loin or short loin item that has the posterior 

portion of the strip loin removed at or anterior to the M. gluteus medius. The M. 

gluteus medius, if present, may appear only on one side of the steak.

Item No. 1180B - Beef Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Split, Boneless - This item is

prepared from any boneless strip loin that has the tail, and heavy connective tissue 

overlying the M. longissimus dorsi muscle, removed, and is then split by a

lengthwise cut into two approximate equal in size sections. This item is sometimes 

referred to as ‘strip steak filet’ or ‘clubcut’.
76

Option No. Description

1 The M. multifidus dorsi must be removed.

2 The posterior end of the strip loin must be removed 

so that the M. gluteus medius is not present.

Item No. 1180C – Beef Loin, Strip Loin Steak, End Cut, Boneless – This item is 

prepared from any boneless strip loin or short loin item and is the posterior or 

sirloin portion of the strip loin containing the M. gluteus medius. This portion 

accounts for approximately 25 percent of a boneless strip loin. Each steak must 

contain the M. gluteus medius. This cut is sometimes referred to as a ‘vein steak.’

Item No. 1184 - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Boneless - The steaks must

be prepared from Item No. 184. Prior to slicing, the heavy connective tissue 

closely associatedwith the protuberance of the femur must be removed by a

straight cut (faced) so that the appearance of the M. gluteus medius is oval in

shape. The boneless top sirloin butt may be separated into sections reasonably 

parallel to the backbone line to accommodate the cutting of specified portion size

steaks. The sections must be cut into steaks reasonably parallel to the cut surface

of the round end.

Item No. 1184A - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Semi Center-Cut, 

Boneless - The steaks must be as described in Item No. 1184 except that the M. 

biceps femoris must be removed. The M. longissimus dorsi may or may not be

present.

Item No. 1184B - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Center-Cut, Boneless (IM) -

The steaks must be as described in Item No. 1184 except that all muscles other than

the M. gluteus medius must be removed.

Item No. 1184D - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Cap Steak, Boneless (IM) - This item is 

sometimes referred to as a ‘Coulotte Steak’. The steak may be produced from any 

IMPS sirloin item and must consist of the M. biceps femoris. The M. biceps femoris

must be removed from the sirloin by cutting through the natural seams and made into

specified portion size or thickness by slicing the pieces at a right angle to the grain 

(muscle fibers).

Item No. 1184F – Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Center-Cut, Seamed, 

Dorsal Side, Boneless (IM) – This item must consist of steaks made from the dorsal

portion of the M. gluteus medius as described in Item No. 184F. This cut is

sometimes referred to as the ‘baseball cut’ or ‘sirloin filet’.

Item No. 1185A - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Flap Steak (IM) - The steaks 

must be prepared from the flap portion (M. obliquus abdominis internus) of the
77

bottom sirloin butt. The triangle (M. tensor fasciae latae) and the ball tip (M. rectus

femoris and M. vastus lateralis) must not be present. The steaks must be made by

cuts which are at approximate right angles to the grain. All bones, cartilages, and 

connective tissue must be removed. This cut is sometimes referred to as the 

‘bavette’.

Item No. 1185B - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Ball Tip Steak - The steaks 

must be prepared from the ventral portion (M. rectus femoris and M. vastus lateralis)

of the bottom sirloin butt. The M. tensor fasciae latae and M. obliquus abdominis 

internus must not bepresent. The steaks must be made by cuts which are at 

approximate right angles to the grain. All bones, cartilages, and outside ‘skin’

tissue must be removed.

Item No. 1185C - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip Steak (IM) - The steaks 

must be prepared from the triangle portion (M. tensor fasciae latae) of the bottom 

sirloin butt. The steaks must be made by cuts which are at approximate right 

angles to the grain. All bones, cartilages, and connective tissue must be removed.

Item No. 1185D - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip Steak, Defatted (IM) -

This item is as described in Item No. 1185C except that steaks must be trimmed 

practically free of fat.

Item No. 1188 – Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Bone-in – This item is derived from

a short loin or Item No. 188 and consists of the consists of M. psoas major and M.

psoas minor, attached to the transverse process of the lumbar vertebra. Steaks 

must have a diameter of the M. psoas major not less than 1.5 inches (3.7 cm) in the 

longest dimension.

Item No. 1189 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak - The steaks must be prepared from 

any IMPS tenderloin item. However, the narrowest diameter of the cut surface of 

the M. psoas major must be at least 1.0 inch (25 mm) (excluding fat). Any fat or 

lean not firmly attached to the M. psoas major must be removed. Maximum surface

fat thickness where present must be 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) unless otherwise specified by 

the purchaser.

Item No. 1189A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle On, Defatted - The 

steaks must be prepared from any IMPS tenderloin item defatted as described in 

Item No. 189A. The narrowest diameter of the cut surface of the M. psoas major 

must be at least 1.0 inch (25 mm) (excluding fat).

Item No. 1189B - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle On, Partially 

Defatted - The steaks must be prepared from any IMPS tenderloin item defatted as 

described in Item No. 189B. The narrowest diameter of the cut surface of the M. 

psoas major must be at least 1.0 inch (25 mm) (excluding fat).

Item No. 1190 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle Off, Defatted - This 
78

item is prepared from Item No. 190. The narrowest diameter of the cut surface of 

the M. psoas major must be at least 1.0 inch (25 mm) (excluding fat).

Item No. 1190A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle Off, Skinned - This 

item is prepared from Item No. 190A. The narrowest diameter of the cut surface of 

the M. psoas major must be at least 1.0 inch (25 mm) (excluding fat).

Item No. 1190B - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Full, Side Muscle Off, Center 

Cut, Skinned (IM) - This item is from Item No. 190B and must consist of the M. 

psoas major only.

Item No. 1190C - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Tips - Tenderloin tips must be prepared 

from any tenderloin which meets end item requirements. Tips may consist of any 

portion of the thin end of the M. psoas major, M. psoas minor or M. iliacus and must

consist of pieces which are no less than 1.5 square inches (9.7 sq cm) and are no 

less than 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) thick at anypoint.