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Beef Grading In Australia: How It Works

September 23, 2022

Beef Grading In Australia: How It Works

Beef grading is a voluntary process undertaken by beef producers in Australia. Beef grading provides an indication of the quality of the animal’s muscle tissue, fat cover and marbling characteristics, and is used by processors and retailers to determine the price they are willing to pay for the carcass.

Continue reading to learn the basics of Australian beef grading, and how to ensure you’re purchasing high-quality Australian beef, each time you shop.

What Is Australian Beef Grading?

In Australia, the traditional beef grading system is the AUS-MEAT grading system. This has a rating scale in increments between 0 and 9, with 0 indicating no intramuscular fat, and 9 indicating extreme amounts of intramuscular fat.

The more recent grading system, Meat Standards Australia (MSA), is more commonly used. This system is regulated by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and measures beef according to several attributes, including:

  • Marbling
  • Meat colour
  • Fat depth
  • Maturity
  • Carcass weight
  • pH levels in meat

Within the MSA grading system, beef’s marbling is graded on a scale of 100 (indicating no intramuscular fat) to 1190 (extreme amounts of intramuscular fat). Unlike the traditional AUS-MEAT grading system, MSA grading increases and decreases in increments of 10.

MSA-grade produce is guaranteed to provide quality, world-class beef, and is, therefore, more expensive than ungraded meat. MSA-graded beef has met strict criteria to become certified, having been calculated and differentiated on three separate levels of eating quality:

  • MSA 3-star (MSA graded)
  • MSA 4-star (premium quality)
  • MSA 5-star (supreme quality)

However, despite the price and quality difference, many butchers and restaurants will stock both graded and ungraded beef. Therefore, it is ultimately up to the consumer to decide which they would prefer.

Beef grading in Australia may seem like a complicated process, but understanding the basics can help you make informed choices when purchasing meat.

benefits-wholesale-meat-supplier

Cooking Methods Based on Grading

MSA grading works alongside specific cooking recommendations to ensure you enjoy the best possible eating experience. All MSA-graded cuts of beef receive a minimum of 1 recommended cooking method, from the list below:

  • Grill
  • Casserole
  • Roast
  • Stir fry
  • Shabu shabu
  • Yakiniku
  • Thin slice
  • Corn

How To Find MSA-Graded Products

MSA-graded beef products are world-renowned for their quality and eating experience. Locating the MSA symbol on beef packaging provides consumer confidence and guarantees consistent quality, each time you shop.

When shopping for MSA-graded meat, you’ll find the recommended cooking methods and ageing requirements alongside the MSA symbol on the packaging.

MSA-Graded Beef From Melrina Wholesale Meats

When you’re searching for top-quality meats and don’t want to compromise on taste, Melrina Wholesale Meats is your number one supplier. With depots around the country, we distribute MSA-graded beef products across Australia.

At Melrina, we understand that our customers deserve the very best. All of our meats are hormone and antibiotic-free, ensuring that you’re getting natural, healthy products. Whether you’re wanting a regular supply of MSA-graded beef or are interested in discussing our supply options, reach out to your local state representative for a chat today.

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