Inspection and Grading

As with beef, the maturity, color, firmness, and texture of lamb are all evaluated by the USDA in relation to its resultant flavor and tenderness. USDA grades for lamb in descending order of quality are: U.S. Prime, U.S. Choice, and U.S. Good. (Almost all lamb is graded as Prime or Choice.) Lower grades—U.S. Utility and Cull—are usually used in processed products. Quality grades are not indications of high or low nutritional value (in other words, U.S. Prime lamb has a similar protein and nutrient content to U.S. Choice lamb).