USDA Meat Labeling Rules

In the United States, USDA meat labeling is regulated by two branches of the USDA with distinct roles: the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). FSIS is the primary regulator ensuring that labels on meat, poultry, and egg products are truthful, accurate, and not misleading[1]. It develops and enforces mandatory labeling requirements under laws like the Federal Meat Inspection Act. AMS, on the other hand, administers voluntary programs – it provides grading (e.g. USDA Prime, Choice) and certifies marketing claims for producers who opt in (on a fee-for-service basis)