07/17/2026
Farm Fact Friday
What does "USDA Inspected" actually mean?
You've probably seen the words "USDA Inspected" on a package of beef before... but have you ever wondered what they actually mean?
It means your beef was processed in a facility where the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has inspectors on-site during the slaughter and butcher process to help ensure the meat is safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.
Here's what that looks like:
- Every animal is inspected before harvest to make sure it's healthy and fit for the food supply.
- Every carcass is inspected after harvest for any signs of disease or abnormalities.
- The processing facility itself is routinely inspected to ensure it meets strict standards for cleanliness, sanitation, and proper handling procedures for food safety.
- The beef can legally be sold to the public anywhere in the United States.
The USDA inspector also verifies that any claims on the label—such as Organic, Certified Natural, Pasture Raised, 100% Angus, Grass Fed, and many others—have been reviewed and approved by the USDA before those claims can legally appear on the package.
In other words, producers can't simply print marketing claims on a USDA inspected product label without providing documentation to support them.
One thing that surprises a lot of people is that USDA inspection and USDA grading aren't the same thing.
Inspection is required and is all about food safety.
Grading (like Prime, Choice, or Select) is optional and simply measures eating quality—things like marbling and tenderness.
At Jenner Family Beef, every animal is harvested at a USDA-inspected processing facility because providing safe, high-quality beef isn't just a requirement—it's something we value.
When you buy beef directly from our ranch, you're not only getting to know who raised your beef, but you can also have confidence in how it was processed.
