Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 506 Procedure 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 August 31, 2018

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 1 of 2

REMOVAL OF INCORRECT GRADEMARKS

Purpose

This Procedure defines Quality Assessment Division (QAD) procedures for removal of incorrect 

grademarks on carcasses or sides of beef, lamb, veal, calf, and pork.

Policy

It is the policy of the QAD to ensure meat grading is uniform and accurate nationwide.

Procedures for Incorrect Grademarks at Plant of Initial Grading

1. Supervisors:

a. If errors are observed when the grader is present, have the grader apply the correct

grade.

b. If errors are observed when the grader is not present, determine if the carcasses

were correctly graded at the time of initial grading (consider external influences -

time, handling, temperature, humidity, etc.). If determined to be incorrectly

graded, apply the correct grade.

2. Graders:

a. Periodically review graded carcasses, and correct own errors at the plant of initial

grading.

b. Do not remove official grademarks and/or roller brands of another grader's work

without the original grader or supervisor being present. This would not preclude

upgrading carcasses, upon further review, when grade factors have changed due

to additional chill, etc.

Procedures for Incorrect Grademarks at Location Other Than Plant of Initial Grading

1. Supervisors:

a. Do not remove incorrect grademarks. If the location of initial grading is within

your area of supervision, review the grader's work at origin.

b. If the location of initial grading is not within your area of supervision, notify the

responsible Regional office and provide the following:
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 506 Procedure 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 August 31, 2018

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 2 of 2

1. An accurate piece count of carcasses reviewed and carcasses found to be

in error.

2. The establishment number of the plant of origin.

3. The grader's roller brand code or preliminary pop stamp code.

Note: The roller brand code from "common" rollers cannot be used to

identify who graded the carcass.

4. A detailed summary of findings.

c. If errors are extensive, encourage current owner to return the carcasses to the

plant of origin for correction.

2. Graders:

a. Do not remove incorrect grade marks. Notify your supervisor of your findings.

Change Record

The following changes were made to the 01/19/99 revision of this document:

1. The header was updated to include the most recent mail stop.

___________________________________

Jennifer G. Porter, Director

Quality Assessment Division

Livestock and Poultry Program

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