By law, all meat must pass an inspection for wholesomeness. Such inspection guarantees the meat is suitable for consumption. If beef crosses state lines, it must be federally inspected. If it is processed and sold in the same state, it must pass inspection by that state. Inspection for wholesomeness is indicated by a stamp on the meat.
Federal inspection is shown by a round purple seal.
The mark is made with edible vegetable dye. State-inspected meat also must carry a stamp, but the shape of the stamp is not the round shape of the federal stamp. Since inspection marks are usually placed on wholesale cuts only once, consumers may not see it unless they buy a large cut. Quality Quality grade indicates the palatability of the meat and is designated by a shield-shaped grade seal stamped repeatedly along the full length of the carcass. Grading is optional so not all beef in stores has a grade designation.