IMPS 100 Fresh Beef 2014
IMPS 100 Fresh Beef 2014
IMPS 100 Fresh Beef 2014
MEAT
PURCHASE
SPECIFICATIONS
FRESH BEEF
SERIES 100
3.1 Item No., PSO’s & Special Instructions 4 6.4 Fat Trimming 20
3.2 Grade & Special Requirements 7 6.4.5 Diced & Portion-Cut Items 22
3.4.2 Cuts, Roasts, Diced & Special Trim Items 8 7.3 Primal Separations Diagram 26
3.5 Portion-Cut Weight, Thickness & Shape 10 7.3.4 Short Plate-Rib Separation 30
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1.0 Introduction
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Agricultural Marketing Service
(AMS) develops and maintains the Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) for meat
and meat products. The complete IMPS series includes the following 11 documents:
These specifications are recommended for use by any meat product procuring activity.
For assurance that procured items comply with these detailed requirements, AMS, through its
Livestock Poultry and Seed (LPS) Program’s Quality Assessment Division (QAD) provides a
voluntary meat certification service and a process verification program. For labeling purposes,
only producers who have meat products certified according to the IMPS or operate under an
approved IMPS process verified program may use the letters "IMPS" on the product label.
Purchasers desiring these services should contact:
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2.0 IMPS Ordering Checklist
The following checklist will assist the purchaser in providing contractual language necessary to
describe the IMPS product and service desired. Each element within the checklist is further
defined within Section 3.0 - Ordering Data to be Specified by the Purchaser.
Item Number
Special instructions
Purchaser Specified Option (PSO)
Added ingredients
Mechanical Tenderization
Aging
Fat Limitations
Weight Range
Method of examination
Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL’s)
Certification - (See IMPS GR and QAP.)
The purchaser shall specify: (1) IMPS item number and product name to be purchased, and if
applicable, (2) PSO’s, (3) added ingredients, applicable options, modifications, and special
instructions to the requirements of the IMPS.
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3.1.1 Abbreviations
In conjunction with other markings that may be required in the GR and by Meat and Poultry
Inspection Regulations, the IMPS item number, “Beef”, and the product name listed above shall
be used for marking of shipping containers. Abbreviation of the product name is
recommended. Abbreviations, when used, shall be as follows:
The product names and abbreviations listed in this series have been reviewed and approved by
USDA; FSIS; Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD); Labeling and Program
Delivery Staff, Washington D.C.
To enhance product performance, the purchaser may specify ingredients to be added to any
IMPS fresh beef item. Ingredients may be added by immersion or injection. The purchaser
may specify any one of the following levels of added ingredients within a purchase order:
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The use of ingredients, method of addition, and product labeling shall comply with FSIS
Regulations and Policies.
To enhance the tenderness of beef products, the purchaser may specify roasts or raw materials
to be made into portion cuts to be mechanically tenderized. When specified, the roast or raw
materials to be portioned shall be mechanically tenderized by using the multiple probe method
(pinning) not more than one time.
3.1.4 Aging
The purchaser shall specify the aging type and time desired. For assistance in specifying these
parameters, use the following tables.
Type Description
Meat is vacuum-packaged in a high moisture-impermeable
Wet Aging bag and stored in cooler conditions (33 - 36oF) for a specified
length of time.
Meat is unpackaged and directly exposed to cooler conditions
Dry Aging with designated temperature (33 - 36oF), humidity (85 – 90%)
and air-flow (positive) controls.
Time Description
0 – 5 days Green
5 – 7 days Moderately aged
7 – 15 days Aged
>15 days Extremely aged
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3.2 Grade & Special Requirements
3.2.1 Categories
The purchaser may specify any combination of the following grade and special requirement
categories when ordering. NOTE: Only one selection per category, per order.
Category
Carcass Wt.
As Specified by Purchaser
Range
Specified
Risk
As Specified by Purchaser
Materials
Removal
*Quality grades predict palatability of lean and are applied to carcasses. They are determined
by evaluation of carcass maturity and quality of lean.
**Yield grades predict the yield of closely trimmed boneless retail cuts to be derived from the
major wholesale cuts.
***The diet category will allow the purchaser to specify the ingredients included in the animal’s
ration.
The purchaser may request documentation from the vendor, stating that cuts are derived from
carcasses meeting the special requirements. For certification of the special requirements, a
verification program must be in place. Contact the Meat Grading and Certification Branch for
development of verification programs (refer to Section 1.2 - Contact Information).
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3.2.3 Grade Designations
Official grade designations will appear in any one or any combination of the following ways: (1)
shipping container markings, or (2) on individual bags or wrapping material. The processor
shall comply with Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) grade labeling procedures.
Purchaser shall specify the state of refrigeration (chilled or frozen) for delivery of product. (See
IMPS GR.)
The purchaser shall specify yield grade and/or maximum fat thickness as described below.
The purchaser shall specify maximum surface fat thickness requirements unless fat limitations
for surface and/or seam fat are indicated in the item descriptions. Maximum fat thickness
requirements may be specified in terms of “average” or “at any one point”. Alternative
“average” and/or “at any one point” fat limitations may be specified.
Option Maximum At
Maximum Average Thickness
No. Any One Point
Note: When average fat thicknesses are specified by the purchaser or in item descriptions, the
appropriate "Maximum at Any One Point" limitation shall apply.
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3.4.3 Portion-Cuts
The purchaser shall specify the maximum (at any one point) thickness of surface fat on the
edges of the steak unless fat limitations for surface and/or seam fat are indicated in the detailed
item descriptions. Alternative fat limitations may be specified. If not specified, surface fat
thickness shall not exceed ¼-inch (6 mm) at any one point.
Fat limitations for these items shall be expressed in terms of a fat content percentage. Fat
content describes the percentage of fat present in the product. Unless otherwise specified, the
fat content shall not exceed 22 percent. However, the purchaser may specify any fat content
provided it does not exceed 30 percent and may specify discount ranges.
The purchaser shall specify the fat content analysis to be determined on a (1) composite
analysis, or (2) average analysis method (as defined within the IMPS QAP.) If the purchaser
does not specify either method, the procedures for average fat content analysis method shall be
used.
The fat content shall be specified by the purchaser and verified by one or any combination of the
following PSO’s. If not specified, the fat content shall be verified with PSO #2 requirements.
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Samples selected by AMS and sent to purchaser
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designated laboratory
The purchaser shall specify the portion weight and/or thickness desired. For assistance in
specifying weight, see weight range tables. Unless other portion weight and/or thickness
tolerances are specified by the purchaser, the following tables shall be used. When both weight
and thickness are specified, it is recommended that those requirements be limited to items that
are mechanically pressed and/or sliced.
More than 1 inch (25 mm) +/- ¼-inch (6 mm) ¼-inch (6 mm)
*
Thickness measurements are not applicable within ¼-inch (6 mm) of the edge. Also, value
listed under thickness uniformity is the maximum allowable difference between the thinnest and
thickest measurement of an individual steak.
24.01 ounces (681 g) or more +/- 1 oz. (28 g) ½-inch (13 mm)
3.5.2 Shape
Unless otherwise specified, the shape of whole muscle portions cuts shall resemble the
approximate shape relative to the cut of origin. Cubed and braising steaks which are
mechanically pressed and sliced shall be uniform in shape. Unless otherwise specified, patties
shall be round.
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3.6 Weight Range
Purchaser shall specify IMPS item number, product name, and weight range to be purchased.
The following weight ranges are intended as guidelines. Carcass weights are not
necessarily related to the weight of cuts within their respective weight range. Other
weights or ranges may be specified.
Foodservice Cuts
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Foodservice Cuts (continued)
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121C Plate, Outside Skirt (IM) 1-2 2-3 3-up 41
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167B Round, Full Sirloin Tip 10-12 12-14 14-16 16-up 52
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194 Flank, Rose Meat (IM) Amount as Specified 60
Portion Cuts
Suggested Portion Weight Range Page
Item No. Product Name
(Ounces) #
1100 Cubed Steak 3-8 61
1101 Cubed Steak, Special 3-8 61
1102 Braising Steak, Swiss 4-8 61
1103 Rib, Rib Steak, Bone-In 8-18 61
1103A Rib, Rib Steak, Boneless 4-12 61
1103B Rib, Rib Steak, Frenched, Bone In 3-16 61
1112 Rib, Ribeye Roll Steak, Boneless 4-12 62
1112A Rib, Ribeye Steak, Lip-On, Boneless 4-12 62
1112B Rib, Ribeye Steak, Lip-On, Short Cut, Boneless 4-12 62
1112C Rib, Ribeye Steak 4-12 62
1112D Rib, Ribeye Cap Steak 4-8 62
1114D Chuck, Shoulder, Top Blade Steak 4-12 63
1114E Chuck, Shoulder, Arm Steak, Boneless 4-10 63
1114F Chuck, Shoulder Tender, Portioned (IM) 2-14 63
1116D Chuck, Chuck Eye Roll Steak 4-12 63
1116G Chuck, Under Blade, Center-Cut Steak 4-12 64
1116H Chuck, Chuck Eye Steak 4-12 64
1121D Plate, Inside Skirt Steak (IM), Boneless 4-8 64
1121E Plate, Outside Skirt Steak, Skinned (IM) 4-8 64
1123 Short Ribs, Bone-Ine 3-10 64
1136 Ground Beef Patties Desired ounces or number per pound 64
1130 Chuck, Short Rib, Bone-In 3-10 65
1136 Ground Beef Patties Desired ounces or number per pound 65
1136A Ground Beef and Soy Protein Product Patties Desired ounces or number per pound 65
1136B Beef Patties Desired ounces or number per pound 65
1136C Beef Patties, NTE 10% Fat Desired ounces or number per pound 65
1136D Pure Beef Patties Desired ounces or number per pound 65
1137 Ground Beef Patties, Special Desired ounces or number per pound 65
1137A Ground Beef and Soy Protein Product Patties, Special Desired ounces or number per pound 65
1138 Beef Steaks, Flaked and Formed, Frozen Desired ounces or number per pound 65
Beef Sandwich Steaks, Flaked, Chopped, Formed, and
1138A Desired ounces 66
Wafer Sliced, Frozen
1138B Beef Steaks, Sliced and Formed, Frozen Desired ounces 66
1139 Beef Slices Desired ounces or thickness 66
1140 Hanger Steaks 4-8 66
1150 Top Side Steak, Boneless 4-16 66
1167 Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak 3-10 66
1167A Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak, Peeled 3-10 66
1167D Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak, Peeled, Special 4-8 66
1167E Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Center Steaks (IM) 4-8 66
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1167F Round, Sirloin Tip (knuckle), Side Steaks (IM) 4-8 66
1169 Round, Top (Inside) Round Steak 3-12 67
1169A Round, Top (Inside) Cap-Off, Round Steak 3-12 67
1169C Round Top (Inside) Round, Front Side Steak 3-12 67
Portion Cuts (continued)
Many of the item descriptions require roasts to be netted or tied to facilitate institutional
style cookery methods. The purchaser may specify the netting and tying requirements
for such items as needed.
When tying is required, stretchable netting (or any other equivalent material) shall be
used to make roasts firm and compact. Unless otherwise specified, roasts shall be
netted so that all portions are held intact, without any portions protruding through the ends
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of the netting. Conversely, excess netting at the portion ends shall be no more than 2.0
inches (5.0 cm) in length. Alternatively, roasts may be string tied by loops of twine
uniformly spaced at no more than approximately 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) intervals along the
items length). When tying does not make roasts firm and compact, lengthwise tying may
be used. For net weight verification, netting and tying material shall be included along
with packaging materials when determining tare weight.
Purchaser shall specify packaging and packing for delivery of product. (See IMPS GR.)
The purchaser may consult the IMPS QAP for options regarding production examination
and lot acceptance criteria in terms of acceptable AQLs.
When requested, the purchaser shall specify within a contract or purchase order that product
shall be certified or that the producer is operating under an approved IMPS Process Verified
Program by the USDA, AMS, LPS, QAD. The IMPS
QAP, http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3003293, will be used
to determine compliance. Purchasers desiring these services should contact:
All products offered shall comply with the following material requirements and the individual item
descriptions. For certification, product shall be evaluated in accordance with the IMPS QAP.
6.0 Quality
All product offered as meeting the specification requirements must be in excellent condition.
For certification, product shall be in the fresh-chilled state (not previously frozen) when
examined for excellent condition; e.g., exposed lean and fat surfaces shall be of a color and
bloom normally associated with the class, grade, and cut of meat, and typical of meat which has
been properly stored and handled. Cut surfaces and naturally exposed lean surfaces shall
show no more than slight darkening or discoloration due to dehydration, aging, and/or microbial
activity. The fat shall show no more than very slight discoloration due to oxidation or microbial
activity. No odors foreign to fresh meat shall be present. Changes in color and odors
characteristically associated with vacuum packaged meat in excellent condition shall be
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acceptable. Also, product shall show no evidence of freezing, defrosting, or mishandling.
Beef must be maintained in excellent condition through processing, storage, and transit.
Portion-cut and ground items to be delivered frozen may be produced from frozen meat cuts
which have been previously certified in the fresh-chilled state, provided such cuts show no
evidence of deterioration. Unless otherwise specified, portion cut items shall maintain their
approximate original shape. Products thus produced shall be packaged, packed, and returned
promptly to the freezer.
Except for ground and flaked items, dark cutting and/or calloused beef is not acceptable. All
beef shall be free of bruises, blood clots, bloody tissue, blood discoloration, exposed blood
vessels, cod and/or udder fat, gambrel cord, specified risk materials or any other conditions
which would negatively affect the use of the product.
Beef cuts shall be free of dislocated or enlarged joints or other malformations of the skeletal
structure. However, cuts with bones broken during processing are acceptable if the bones are
not splintered to the extent that the lean around the fracture is affected.
6.3 Workmanship
Except for cuts that are separated through natural seams, all cut surfaces shall form
approximate right angles with the skin surface. No more than a slight amount lean, fat, or bone
shall be removed or included from an adjacent cut.
Except for steaks which are cubed and/or knitted or unless otherwise specified in the individual
item description, steaks shall be cut in full slices in a straight line reasonably perpendicular to the
outer surface and at an approximate right angle to the length of the cut being sliced or portioned.
For individual muscle cuts, portions shall be made by slicing perpendicular to the grain (muscle
fiber alignment) of the cut. Portion-cut items shall be practically free of: (1) fractures, (2) tag
ends, and (3) knife scores. Individual steaks shall remain intact when suspended ½-inch (13
mm) from the outer edge.
Trimming of external fat shall be accomplished by smoothly removing the fat following the
contour of the underlying muscle surface. Beveling of the edges only is not acceptable. Two
terms used for describing fat limitations are: (1) maximum fat thickness at any one point and (2)
average fat thickness. Fat thickness requirements may apply to surface fat (external and/or
exterior fat in relationship to the item) and seam fat (fat between adjacent muscles within an
item) as specified by the purchaser or within the detailed item description.
6.4.1 Peeled/Denuded
The term "peeled" implies surface fat and muscle separation through natural seams so that the
resulting cut's seamed surface ("silver" or "blue" tissue) is exposed with remaining "flake" fat
NTE 1.0 inch (25 mm) in the longest dimension and/or ⅛-inch (3 mm) in depth at any point. The
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term "denuded" implies all surface fat is removed so that the resulting cut's seamed surface
("silver" or "blue tissue") is exposed with remaining "flake" fat NTE 1.0 inch (25 mm) in any
dimension and/or ⅛-inch (3 mm) in depth at any point.
Peeled/denuded, surface membrane removed requires the surface membrane ("silver" or "blue"
tissue) to be removed (skinned); the resulting cut surface shall expose at least 90 percent lean
with remaining "flake" fat NTE ⅛-inch (3 mm) in depth.
For cuts and roast items, the maximum fat thickness at any one point is evaluated by visually
determining the area of a cut which has the most fat thickness and measure the thickness
(depth) at this point. The average fat thickness is evaluated by visually determining the areas of
surface fat and taking multiple measurements in these areas only. The average shall be
determined by evaluating the amount of surface area that each thickness represents (e.g., if one
third of the fat surface was 0.2 inch in depth, one third was 0.3 inch in depth and one third was
0.4 inch in depth, then the average would be 0.3 inch).
The actual measurements of fat are made on the edges of the cut and by probing or scoring the
overlying surface fat as necessary in a manner that reveals the actual fat thickness and accounts
for any natural depression or seam which could affect the measurement.
When a natural depression occurs in a muscle, only the fat above the portion of the depression
which is more than ¾-inch (19 mm) in width is considered (this method is known as "bridging").
When a seam of fat occurs between adjacent muscles only the fat above the level of the involved
muscles is measured (this method is known as "planing"). However, when fat limitations for
Peeled/Denuded or Peeled/Denuded, Surface Membrane Removed are specified, the bridging
method shall be used for evaluating fat above a natural depression in a muscle and fat occurring
between adjacent muscles.
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6.4.5 Diced & Portion-Cut Items
For the purpose of measuring surface fat, the maximum fat thickness at any one point is
evaluated by visually determining the areas on the edges of either side of the dice or
portion-cut which have the thickest amount of fat and measuring the thickness (depth) of fat in
these areas. The average fat thickness is evaluated by visually determining the various areas
of surface fat and taking multiple measurements in these areas. The average shall be
determined by evaluating the amount of surface area that each thickness represents.
The actual measurements of fat are made on the edges of the cut and by probing or scoring the
fat surface as necessary in a manner that reveals the actual fat thickness. For steak items,
the bridging and/or the planing methods shall be applied to take into account any natural
depression occurring in a muscle and/or when a seam of fat occurs between adjacent muscles.
For the purpose of measuring seam fat, when specified, the maximum fat thickness at any one
point is evaluated by visually determining the areas of fat between layers of lean (muscles) on
any side of the cut which have the thickest (widest) deposits of fat and measuring the width in
these areas. The average fat thickness is evaluated by visually determining the various areas
of seam fat and taking multiple measurements in these areas. The average shall be
determined by evaluating the areas that each thickness (width) represents.
For steak items, the bridging and/or planing methods shall be applied to take into account the
irregular widths of the seam fat within a muscle depression or between adjacent muscles in order
to reveal the actual fat thickness (width) of fat within a seam. Seam fat shall be evaluated no
closer than ¾-inch (19 mm) from the contour (projected perimeter when symmetrically formed or
unformed) of the outer edge of the steak.
Trimming for further processing into ground, flaked, chopped, or diced items - The processor
shall remove materials that are objectionable and will have a negative impact on quality of the
end item. The following objectionable materials shall be excluded:
• Major lymph glands (prefemoral, popliteal, and prescapular), thymus gland, and the sciatic
(ischiatic) nerve (lies medial to the outside round).
• All bone, cartilage, and the following heavy connective tissues:
o White fibrous – Shoulder tendon, elbow tendon, silver skin (outside round), sacrociatic
ligament, opaque periosteum, serous membrane (peritoneum), tendinous ends of
shanks, gracilis membrane, patellar ligament (associated with the stifle joint), and
achilles tendon.
o Yellow elastin – Back strap and abdominal tunic.
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6.5.1 Specified Risk Material
FSIS has declared specified risk materials as unfit for human food because they present a
sufficient risk of exposing humans to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy. In accordance with
9 CFR 310.22, the following specified risk materials shall be completely removed during beef
harvest and fabrication:
o Cattle 30 months of age and older - All portions of the brain, skull, eyes, trigeminal
ganglia, spinal cord, vertebral column (excluding the vertebrae of the tail, the
transverse processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, and the wings of the
sacrum), and dorsal root ganglia.
o All cattle - The distal ileum of the small intestine and tonsils.
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7.0 Diagrams
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7.2 Beef Side Primal Diagram
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7.3 Primal Separation Diagrams
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7.3.2 Chuck – Brisket Separation – New Image Coming Soon!
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7.3.5 Short Loin – Sirloin Separation – New Image Coming Soon!
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7.3.6 Loin – Round Separation – New Image Coming Soon!
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8.0 Cut Descriptions
8.1 Myology
A reference for identification of muscles is the University of Nebraska’s "Bovine Myology &
Muscle Profiling" Web site (http://bovine.unl.edu) funded by the Beef Checkoff and produced
by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (www.beef.org).
Item No. 100 - Beef Carcass - The carcass shall consist of two matched sides each consisting
of a forequarter and a hindquarter. The sides shall be produced by splitting the carcass down
the back exposing the spinal groove at least 75 percent of the length of either side. No more
than a minor amount of major muscles shall be removed from either side. The quarters are
produced by completely or partially separating the forequarters from the hindquarters by a cut
following the natural curvature between the 12th and 13th ribs. The diaphragm may be
removed. However, if present it shall be firmly attached and the membranous portion shall be
trimmed close to the lean. The thymus gland and heart fat shall be closely removed.
Item No. 100A - Beef Carcass, Trimmed - This item is prepared as described in Item No. 100
except the kidney, kidney knob, adjacent internal fats, and hanging tender are removed. The
fat covering the lumbar, sacral, pelvic, and tenderloin regions shall be trimmed NTE 1.0 inch (25
mm) in depth at any point.
Item No. 101 - Beef Side - This item is as described in Item No. 100 except the side is one
matched forequarter and hindquarter. The side shall be trimmed as described in Item No. 100.
Item No. 102 - Beef Forequarter - The beef forequarter is the anterior portion of the side after
severance from the hindquarter as described in Item No. 100. The forequarter shall be
trimmed as described in Item No. 100.
Item No. 102A - Beef Forequarter, Boneless - This item consists of the boneless rib, chuck,
brisket, foreshank, and plate. The cut posterior to the 12th rib mark shall follow the natural
curvature of the rib. The clod (the large muscle system which lies dorsal and posterior to the
elbow joint, ventral and posterior to the ridge of the scapula, and is anterior to the 6th rib) shall
be separated as described in Item No. 114. All bones, cartilages, backstrap, prescapular
lymph gland, and tendinous ends of the foreshank and clod evidencing less than 75 percent
lean on a cross-sectional cut shall be removed. The purchaser shall specify if this item shall
remain intact or be separated into cuts.
Item No. 103 - Beef Rib, Primal - The primal rib is that portion of the forequarter remaining
after removal of the cross-cut chuck and short plate and shall contain seven ribs (6th to 12th
inclusive), the posterior tip of the blade bone (scapula), and the thoracic vertebra attached to
the ribs. The loin end shall follow the natural curvature of the 12th rib. The chuck is removed
by a straight cut between the 5th and 6th ribs. The short plate shall be removed by a straight
cut which is ventral to, but not more than 6.0 inches (15.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at
the loin end to a point on the chuck end ventral to, but not more than 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) from,
the M. longissimus dorsi. The diaphragm and fat on the ventral surface of the vertebrae shall
be removed.
Item No. 103A - Beef Rib, Regular - This item is prepared as described in Item No. 103 except
that the short plate shall be removed by a straight cut which is ventral to, but not more than 3.0
inches (7.5 cm) from the M. longissimus dorsi at the loin end to a point on the chuck end ventral
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to, but not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi. The protruding edge
of the chine bone shall be removed.
Item No. 104 - Beef Rib, Oven-Prepared, Regular - The oven prepared rib is as described in
Item No. 103 except that the short plate shall be removed by a straight cut which is ventral to,
but not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the loin end to a point
on the chuck end ventral to, but not more than 8.0 inches (20.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus
dorsi. The chine bone shall be removed such that the lean is exposed between the ribs and
the feather bone/vertebrae junctures, leaving the feather bones attached. The blade bone and
related cartilage shall be removed.
Item No. 107 - Beef Rib, Oven-Prepared - This item is prepared as described in Item No. 103
except that the short plate shall be removed by a straight cut which is ventral to, but not more
than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from the M. longissimus dorsi at the loin end to a point on the chuck
end ventral to, but not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi. The
chine bone shall be removed such that the lean is exposed between the ribs and the feather
bone/vertebrae junctures, leaving the feather bones attached. The blade bone and related
cartilage shall be removed.
Item No. 107A - Beef Rib, Oven-Prepared, Blade Bone In - This item is as described in Item
No. 107 except that the blade bone and related cartilage may remain.
Item No. 108 - Beef Rib, Oven-Prepared, Boneless - This boneless item is prepared from
Item No. 103. The loin end shall be exposed by a cut that follows the natural curvature of the
12th rib mark and that exposes the M. spinalis dorsi not extending more than half the length of
the M. longissimus dorsi. On the chuck end, the M. longissimus dorsi shall be at least twice as
large as the complexus. Seven rib marks shall be present. The short plate shall be removed
by a straight cut that is ventral to, but not more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus
dorsi at the loin end to a point on the chuck end ventral to, but not more than 4.0 inches (10.0
cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi. All bones, cartilages, related M. intercostales interni, and
backstrap shall be removed. The rib shall be netted or tied when specified.
Item No. 109 - Beef Rib, Roast-Ready - This item is prepared as described in Item No. 103
except that the short plate shall be removed by a straight cut that is ventral to, but not more than
3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the loin end to a point on the chuck end
ventral to, but not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi. The chine
bone shall be removed such that the lean is exposed between the ribs and the feather
bone/vertebrae junctures, leaving the feather bones attached. The blade bone and related
cartilage, backstrap, M. latissimus dorsi, M. infraspinatus, M. subscapularis, M. rhomboideus,
and M. trapezius shall be removed. The exterior fat covering (that covered the M. latissimus
dorsi and M. trapezius) shall not exceed 1.0 inch (25 mm) in depth at any point. The fat cover
may be separated to accommodate removal of the backstrap and returned to its original
position. The fat cover shall be trimmed even with the short plate side and shall not have holes
larger than 2.0 square inches (12.9 sq cm). The rib shall be netted or tied when specified.
Item No. 109A - Beef Rib, Roast-Ready, Special - This item is as described in Item No. 109
except that feather bones are removed. The exterior fat covering (that covered the M.
latissimus dorsi, M. trapezius, M. longissimus dorsi, and M. spinalis dorsi) shall be separated to
facilitate trimming of the underlying fat. The underlying fat covering the M. longissimus dorsi
and M. spinalis dorsi shall be trimmed to a uniform thickness for the entire seamed surface.
The exterior fat covering shall be returned and positioned so that it extends from the edge of the
rib bones where the feather bones were, toward the edges of the rib bones at the short plate
side. Fat cover extending beyond the short plate edges of the ribs shall be removed. The fat
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cover shall not exceed 1.0 inch (25 mm) in thickness at any point and shall not have holes larger
than 2.0 square inches (12.9 sq cm).
Item No. 109B - Beef Rib, Blade Meat - This item consists of portions of those muscles that are
immediately below (M. subscapularis and M. rhomboideus) and above (M. latissimus dorsi, M.
infraspinatus, and M. trapezius) the blade bone and related cartilage of the primal rib. The lean
surfaces shall be trimmed practically free of fat. All bones and cartilages shall be removed.
This item is often referred to as “lifter meat” or “cap and wedge meat”.
Item No. 109C - Beef Rib, Roast-Ready, Cover Off - This item is prepared as described in
Item No. 109A except that the fat cover shall be excluded.
Item No. 109D - Beef Rib, Roast-Ready, Cover Off, Short Cut (Export Style) - This item is
as described in Item 109A except that the fat cover shall be removed and the short plate shall
be removed by a straight cut which is ventral to, but not more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from, the
M. longissimus dorsi at the loin end to a point on the chuck end ventral to, but not more than 3.0
inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi.
Item No. 109E - Beef Rib, Ribeye Roll, Lip-On, Bone In (Export Style) - This item is as
described in Item 109D except that the short plate shall be removed by a straight cut which is
ventral to, but not more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from the M. longissimus dorsi. The PSO’s for
short plate removal are as follows:
Item No. 110 - Beef Rib, Roast-Ready, Boneless - This item is as described in Item No. 108
except that the M. latissimus dorsi, M. infraspinatus, M. subscapularis, M. rhomboideus, and M.
trapezius, shall be removed. The exterior fat covering which covered the M. latissimus dorsi
and M. trapezius shall be left intact. Fat cover extending beyond the short plate edge shall be
removed. The roast shall be netted or tied. Purchaser may specify lip length (short plate)
removal.
Item No. 111 - Beef Rib, Spencer Roll - This item is as described in Item No. 108 except that
the muscles (M. latissimus dorsi and M. trapezius) and fat cover overlying the blade pocket shall
be removed. The short plate shall be removed by a straight cut that is ventral to, but not more
than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the loin end to a point on the chuck
end ventral to, but not more than 1.0 inch (25 mm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi.
Item No. 112 - Beef Rib, Ribeye Roll - The ribeye roll includes the M. longissimus dorsi, M.
spinalis dorsi, M. complexus, and M. multifidus dorsi muscles as described in Item No. 108.
The "lip" (M. serratus dorsalis and M. longissimus costarum muscles and related intermuscular
fat) on the short plate side shall be removed at the natural seam immediately ventral to the M.
longissimus dorsi. This item shall be practically free of surface fat and M. intercostales interni.
All other muscles, bones, cartilages, backstrap and the exterior fat cover shall be removed.
35
Item No. 112A - Beef Rib, Ribeye Roll, Lip-On - This item is the same as Item No. 112 except
that the "lip" (M. serratus dorsalis and M. longissimus costarum and related intermuscular fat)
remains attached on the short plate side and shall be prepared by a straight cut which is ventral
to, but not more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi.
Item No. 112C - Beef Rib, Ribeye (IM) - This item shall consist of the M. longissimus dorsi
from any rib eye roll. The M. complexus and M. spinalis dorsi shall be removed by cutting
through the natural seams.
Item No. 112D - Beef Rib, Ribeye Cap (IM), - This item shall consist of the M. spinalis
dorsi/multifidus dorsi removed from any rib eye roll by cutting through the natural seams.
Option
Description
No.
Item No. 113 - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut - This item is the portion of the forequarter after
removal of the rib, short plate, foreshank, and brisket. The rib end of the chuck shall be
prepared by a straight cut between the 5th and 6th ribs. The brisket and foreshank shall be
removed by a straight cut which is at an approximate right angle to the rib end. Evidence of the
cartilaginous juncture of the 1st rib and the sternum shall be present on the brisket side. The
thymus gland and heart fat shall be closely removed.
Item No. 113A - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Divided - This item is as described in Item No. 113
except the chuck is separated into the blade portion and the arm portion. The separation shall
be made by a cut parallel with the brisket side and ventral to, but not more than 5.0 inches (12.5
cm) or less than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end.
Item No. 113B - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Neck-Off, Divided - This item is as described in
Item No. 113A except the neck is removed from the blade portion by a straight cut,
approximately parallel to the rib end, leaving no more than two cervical vertebrae on the blade
portion.
Item No. 113C - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Neck-Off, 2 Piece, Semi Boneless - This item
shall consist of the blade portion of Item No. 113B and the arm roast as described in Item No.
114E. A blade portion and an arm roast shall be individually packaged and placed into the
same container.
Item No. 114 - Beef Chuck, Shoulder (Clod) - The shoulder (clod) is the large muscle system
which lies dorsal and posterior to the elbow joint, ventral and posterior to the ridge of the
scapula (blade bone), and is anterior to the 6th rib. The Mm. cutaneous trunci/cutaneous
omobrachialis (shoulder rose) shall be removed when the underlying fat exceeds the surface fat
thickness specified. The presence of the M. trapezius, M. cutaneous trunci, M. teres major, and
the minor muscles over the humerus are optional, however, the M. teres major is generally
excluded unless otherwise specified. The tendons on the elbow end shall be trimmed to be
even with the lean. All bones and cartilages shall be removed.
Item No. 114A - Beef Chuck, Shoulder Roast - This item is as described in Item No. 114
except that the shoulder shall be trimmed so that it is not less than 1.0 inch (25 mm) thick at any
point, except within ¾-inch (19 mm) of the juncture of the M. trapezius and M. latissimus dorsi.
In this instance, the underlying fat must be trimmed to comply with the surface fat thickness
36
requirements. When smaller roast are specified, the thick (arm) end of the shoulder shall be
separated from the thin (blade) end and if necessary, subsequent cuts shall be made at right
angles to the blade side splitting the arm end into approximate equal portions. The blade end
shall be split lengthwise into approximately equal portions, the ends shall be reversed, the
boned surfaces placed together, and if necessary, a subsequent cut(s) shall be made at a right
angle to the length of the blade portion into approximate equal portions. All roasts shall be
netted or tied.
Item No. 114B - Beef Chuck, Shoulder Roast, Special - This item is as described in Item No.
114A except that the whole Shoulder shall be split lengthwise, the ends shall be reversed so
that the boned surfaces are placed together to produce a uniformly thick roast. The roasts
shall be held together by netting or tying. When smaller roasts are specified, the roast shall be
divided by a straight cut(s) at a right angle to the length of the shoulder into approximate equal
portions.
Item No. 114C - Beef Chuck, Shoulder (Clod), Trimmed - This item is as described in Item
No. 114 except that the Mm. cutaneous trunci/cutaneous omobrachialis (shoulder rose), M.
latissimus dorsi, the optional minor muscles (M. trapezius, M. teres major, and muscles over the
humerus) shall be removed. To facilitate packaging, the M. infraspinatus may be separated,
packaged, and included within the same shipping container.
Item No. 114D - Beef Chuck, Shoulder (Clod), Top Blade - This item is derived from Item No.
114 and shall consist of the M. infraspinatus, untrimmed.
Item No. 114E - Beef Chuck, Shoulder (Clod), Arm Roast - This item is derived from Item
No. 114 and shall consist of the large muscle system of the thick end of the Shoulder (M. triceps
brachii long head, M. triceps brachii lateral head and may consist of the M. triceps brachii
medial head and M. tensor fascia antibrachii). This item is commonly referred to as the “Clod
Heart or Shoulder Center”
Item No. 114F – Beef Chuck, Shoulder, Tender (IM) – This item shall consist of the M. teres
major derived from the medial surface of the shoulder (outside shoulder). It shall be removed
from the M. latissimus dorsi and M. triceps brachii group by cutting through the natural seams.
This item is sometimes referred as a Beef Shoulder, Petite Tender.
37
Item No. 114G – Beef Chuck, Shoulder, Arm, Center Cut (IM) – This items is derived from
Item No. 114E and shall consist of the M. triceps brachii long head muscle.
Item No. 115 - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Boneless - This boneless item is prepared from any
chuck item with the brisket and foreshank removed. The full shoulder shall be separated (but
included) as described in Item No. 114 and may be separated prior to cutting the brisket side.
On the rib end, the M. longissimus dorsi shall be twice as large as the M. complexus. No fewer
than 5 rib marks shall be present. The brisket side and rib end shall be straight cuts forming an
approximate right angle. On the brisket side, the M. pectoralis profundi shall extend to the 3rd
rib mark but not past the 5th rib mark. If specified, the blade portion shall be separated from
the arm portion (after separation of the Shoulder) by a straight cut, approximately perpendicular
with the rib end, which is ventral to, but not more than 5.0 inches (12.5 cm) or less than 3.0
inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end. All bones, cartilages, backstrap,
prescapular lymph gland, heart fat and thymus gland shall be removed.
Item No. 115A - Beef Chuck, Blade Portion, Boneless - This item is as described in Item
Nos. 115 or 126 except that the arm portion and shoulder shall be excluded.
Item No. 115B - Beef Chuck, Arm-Out, Boneless - This item is as described in Item Nos. 115
or 126 except that the arm portion shall be excluded.
Item No. 115C - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Neck-Off, Boneless - This item is as described in
Item No. 115 except that the neck shall be removed from the blade portion by a straight cut,
approximately parallel to the rib end, exposing a cross section of the M. supraspinatus.
Item No. 115D – Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Pectoral Meat (IM) – This item consist of the M.
pectoralis profundi that remains within the square-cut chuck after the removal of the brisket. It
is removed from the chuck by cutting through the natural seams.
Item No. 116 - Beef Chuck, Square-Cut, Clod-Out, Boneless - This item is prepared as
described in Item No. 115 except that the shoulder clod shall be excluded.
Item No. 116A - Beef Chuck, Chuck Roll - This boneless item consists of the large muscle
system of the chuck which lies under the blade bone and contains the M. longissimus dorsi, M.
rhomboideus, M. spinalis dorsi, M. complexus, M. multifidus dorsi, M. serratus ventralis, M.
subscapularis, and M. splenius. The rib end shall be made by a straight cut exposing the M.
longissimus dorsi to be at least twice as large as the M. complexus and forms an approximate
right angle with the length of the chuck roll. The neck shall be removed by a straight cut which
is approximately parallel with the rib end and is anterior to, but not more than ½-inch (13 mm)
from, the M. serratus ventralis. The arm portion shall be removed by a straight cut that is at an
approximate right angle to the rib end and is, not more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm), ventral from the
M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end and not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm) from the M.
complexus at the neck end. All bones, cartilages, backstrap, M. trapezius, M. supraspinatus,
M. intercostales interni (rib fingers), and prescapular lymph gland shall be removed. When
smaller roasts are specified, the chuck roll shall be divided by cutting through the meat
perpendicular to the length of the chuck roll into approximately equal portions. This item shall
be netted or tied when specified. The PSO’s are as follows:
38
Arm removed by a straight cut not exceeding 1.0 inch (25 mm)
1 from the M. longissimus dorsi on the rib end and 1.0 inch (25
mm) from the M. complexus on the neck end.
Arm removed by straight cut immediately ventral to M.
2
longissimus dorsi and M. complexus.
Item No. 116B - Beef Chuck, Chuck Tender (IM) - This item consists of the M. supraspinatus
which lies dorsal to the medial ridge of the blade bone. The chuck tender shall be separated
from the other muscles through the natural seams.
Item No. 116C - Beef Chuck, Chuck Roll, Untrimmed - This boneless item is as described in
Item No. 116A except that the neck is not removed and the M. longus coli (rope) may remain if
it is firmly attached. However, when present, the M. longus coli shall not extend past the first
rib mark and shall be trimmed so no portion extends more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from the
point where it is attached. The arm side shall be made by a straight cut that is at an
approximate right angle to the rib end and is, not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm), ventral from
the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end.
Item No. 116D - Beef Chuck, Chuck Eye Roll - This item is the muscle group from Item No.
116A that consists of the M. longissimus dorsi, M. spinalis dorsi, M. multifidus dorsi, M.
complexus, and minor muscles immediately ventral to the M. longissimus dorsi. The chuck
eye roll shall be removed from the underblade roll by cutting through the natural seams and
shall be practically free of surface fat.
Item No. 116E - Beef Chuck, Under Blade Roast - This item is derived from Item No. 116A
after removal of the chuck eye roll and shall consist of the M. serratus ventralis, M. rhomboideus
and M. splenius. The dorsal and ventral edges shall be straight cuts which are approximately
parallel with each other, removing the ‘hump meat’ (dorsal portion of the M. rhomboideus).
39
Item No. 116F – Beef Chuck, Under Blade, Flat Cut (IM) – This item is derived from Item No.
116E and shall consist of the M. splenius. The M. splenius is separated from the M. serratus
ventralis and M. rhomboideus by cutting through the natural seams.
Item No. 116G – Beef Chuck, Under Blade, Center Cut (IM) – This item shall consists of the
M. serratus ventralis in its entirety from the Item No. 116A or 116E. This item is sometimes
referred to as ‘Denver Cut’.
Item No. 116H – Beef Chuck, Chuck Eye (IM) – This item shall consist of the M. complexus
that is derived from the Chuck Eye Roll.
Item No. 116I – Beef Chuck, Neck Roast – This item is derived from the anterior end of the
untrimmed chuck roll. It is removed as described in Item No. 116A.
Item No. 116K – Beef Chuck Roll, 3-Way – This item shall consist of the Chuck Eye Roll (Item
No. 116D), M. serratus ventralis and M. splenius from the Under Blade (Item No. 116E). The
M. serratus ventralis (Item No. 116G ) and M. splenius (Item No. 116F) shall be separated from
each other and the M. rhomboideus by cutting through the natural seams. The 3 pieces shall
be individually packaged and placed into the same container.
Item No. 117 - Beef Foreshank - The foreshank shall be removed from the square-cut chuck
by a straight cut exposing a cross section of the humerus. The brisket shall be removed by a
cut through the natural seam.
Item No. 118 - Beef Brisket - This item includes the anterior end of the sternum bones, M.
pectoralis profundi, and the M. pectoralis superficialis (web muscle). The brisket is separated
from the foreshank as specified in Item No. 117. The arm and the short plate sides shall be
straight cuts which form an approximate right angle. Evidence of the cartilaginous juncture of
the 1st rib and the sternum and the cross section of 4 rib bones shall be present. The heart fat
shall be closely removed.
Item No. 119 - Beef Brisket, Deckle-On, Boneless - This item is prepared from Item No. 118.
The arm and the short plate sides shall be straight cuts forming an approximate right angle. The
M. pectoralis profundi shall not completely extend to the dorsal edge of the short plate side. All
bones and cartilages shall be removed.
Item No. 120 - Beef Brisket, Deckle-Off, Boneless - This item is as described in Item No. 119
except that the deckle (hard fat and M. intercostales interni on the inside surface) shall be
removed at the natural seam exposing the lean surface of the M. pectoralis profundi. The hard
fat along the sternum edge shall be trimmed level with the boned surface. The inside lean
surface shall be trimmed practically free of fat.
Item No. 120A - Beef Brisket, Flat Cut, Boneless (IM) - This item may be prepared from any
40
IMPS boneless brisket item and shall consist only of the M. pectoralis profundi. All surfaces
shall be trimmed practically free of fat and the item shall be no less than ½-inch (13 mm) thick at
any point.
Item No. 120B - Beef Brisket, Point Cut, Boneless (IM) - This item may be prepared from any
IMPS boneless brisket item and shall consist only of the M. pectoralis superficialis (web
muscle). All surfaces shall be trimmed practically free of fat and shall be no less than ½-inch
(13 mm) thick any point.
Item No. 120C - Beef Brisket, 2 Piece, Boneless - This item shall consist of Item No. 120A
and Item No. 120B packaged together.
Item No. 121 - Beef Plate, Short Plate - This item is that portion of the forequarter immediately
ventral to Item No. 103. The flank end shall follow the natural curvature of the 12th rib. The
M. pectoralis profundi shall not completely extend to the dorsal edge of the brisket side. Seven
ribs shall be present. The rib side shall be a straight cut which exposes the M. serratus
ventralis to be continuous for at least 2 ribs. The diaphragm may be removed. However, if
present it shall be firmly attached and the membranous portion shall be trimmed close to the
lean.
Item No. 121A - Beef Plate, Short Plate, Boneless - This item is prepared from Item No. 121.
Seven rib marks shall be present. The rib side shall be a straight cut which exposes the M.
serratus ventralis to be continuous for at least 2 rib marks. All bones and cartilage shall be
removed.
Item No. 121B - Beef Plate, Short Plate, Trimmed, Boneless- This item is as described in
Item No. 121A except the diaphragm, serous membrane (peritoneum) and the M. transversus
abdominis shall be removed.
Item No. 121C - Beef Plate, Outside Skirt (IM) - This item is removed from the short plate.
The outside skirt shall consist of the diaphragm which may have the serous membrane
(peritoneum) attached. The membrane portion must be trimmed close to the lean.
Item No. 121D - Beef Plate, Inside Skirt (IM) - This item shall consist of the M. transversus
abdominis only. The serous membrane (peritoneum) shall be removed. The lean surface
shall be trimmed practically free of fat.
Item No. 121E - Beef Plate, Outside Skirt (IM), Skinned - This item is as described in Item
No. 121C except that the serous membrane (peritoneum) shall be removed from both sides.
The ends shall be squared off.
Item No. 121F - Beef Plate, Short Plate, Short Ribs Removed - This item is as described in
Item No. 121 except that the short rib portion is removed as described in Item No. 123. No
more than 5 short ribs may be removed from the anterior end by a straight cut approximately
parallel with the ventral side without exposing the M. pectoralis profundi.
Item No. 121G - Beef Plate, Short Plate, Short Ribs Removed, Boneless - This item is as
described in Item No. 121A except the short rib portion is removed as described in Item No.
123. No more than 5 short ribs may be removed from the anterior end by a straight cut
approximately parallel with the ventral side without exposing the M. pectoralis profundi. All
bones and cartilage shall be removed.
Item No. 122 - Beef Plate, Full - This item shall consist of the short plate and brisket sections,
intact. The flank end shall follow the natural curvature of the 12th rib. The chuck/rib side shall
be a straight cut exposing the M. serratus ventralis to be continuous for at least 2 ribs.
41
Evidence of the cartilaginous juncture of the 1st rib and the sternum shall be present. The
heart fat shall be closely removed. The diaphragm may be removed. However, if present it
shall be firmly attached and the membranous portion shall be trimmed close to the lean.
Item No. 122A - Beef Plate, Full, Boneless - The plate shall consist of the boneless short
plate and brisket sections, intact. The flank end shall follow the natural curvature of the 12th rib
mark. The chuck/rib side shall be a straight cut exposing the M. serratus ventralis to be
continuous for at least 2 rib marks. The posterior end of M. pectoralis profundi shall extend to
the 3rd rib mark but not past the 5th rib mark. All bones, cartilages, diaphragm, serous
membrane (peritoneum), and heart fat shall be removed.
Item No. 123 - Beef Short Ribs - This item consists of the rib section from any rib and/or plate
item and shall contain at least 2 but no more than 5 ribs (ribs 6 through 10). The dorsal side
shall be at an approximate right angle to the rib bones and the M. latissimus dorsi shall be
continuous across the cut surface. The ventral side shall be a straight cut which is
approximately parallel to the dorsal side and does not contain any costal cartilages. The M.
cutaneous trunci, diaphragm, and serous membrane (peritoneum) shall be removed. The
surface fat shall be trimmed NTE ¼-inch (6 mm) at any point. The purchaser shall specify the
number of ribs and the width (distance between the dorsal and ventral sides) of the rib sections.
Item No. 123A - Beef Short Plate, Short Ribs, Trimmed - This item is as described in Item
No. 123 except that it shall be derived from the 6th, 7th, and 8th ribs of the short plate, the M.
serratus ventralis shall be continuous across the cut surface for at least 2 ribs on both the dorsal
and ventral sides, and the exterior fat cover and the M. latissimus dorsi shall be removed.
Item No. 123B - Beef Rib, Short Ribs, Trimmed - This item is as described in Item No. 123
except that it shall be derived from the 6th, 7th, and 8th ribs of the primal rib, the M. serratus
ventralis shall be exposed and continuous for at least 2 ribs on one side only, and the exterior
fat cover and the M. latissimus dorsi shall be removed. This item shall be trimmed practically
free of surface fat.
Item No. 123C - Beef Rib, Short Ribs - This item is as described in Item No. 123 except that it
shall be derived from the 6th, 7th, 8th ribs of the primal rib. The M. serratus ventralis shall be
exposed and continuous for at least 2 ribs on one side only.
Item No. 123D - Beef Short Ribs, Boneless (IM) - This item shall consist of the M. serratus
ventralis muscle from any IMPS short rib item. The ribs and M. intercostales interni shall be
removed.
Item No. 124 - Beef Rib, Back Ribs - This item is the intact portion of the seven ribs and M.
intercostales interni from Item Nos. 109 or 109A. The chine bone (thoracic vertebrae) and
feather bones shall be removed exposing the sawed ends of the rib bones. Unless otherwise
specified, back ribs shall be no less than 6.0 inches (15.0 cm) or no more than 8.0 inches (20.0
cm) wide at any point.
Item No. 124A – Beef Rib, Back Rib, Rib Fingers – This item will consist of the M.
intercostales interni that are removed from between the back ribs. Purchaser may
specify that the costal cartilage be removed.
Item No. 124B – Beef Plate, Rib Fingers – This item will consist of the M. intercostales interni
that are removed from between the rib bones from a short plate.
42
Item No. 125 - Beef Chuck, Armbone - This item is as described in Item No. 113 except that
the foreshank is left intact. The brisket is removed by a cut through the natural seam from the
foreshank. The thymus gland and heart fat shall be closely removed.
Item No. 126 - Beef Chuck, Armbone, Boneless - This boneless item is prepared from Item
No. 125 and shall be separated into 3 portions (blade, arm, and shoulder) with the foreshank
present. The M. longissimus dorsi shall be twice as large as the M. complexus on the rib end.
No fewer than 5 rib marks shall be present. The brisket side and rib end shall be straight cuts
forming an approximate right angle. The brisket side shall expose the M. pectoralis profundi
extending posterior to the 3rd rib mark but not past the 5th rib mark. The brisket is removed
from the foreshank by a cut through the natural seam. The shoulder shall be separated as
described in Item No. 114. After the shoulder is removed, the blade portion shall be separated
from the arm portion by a straight cut, approximately perpendicular with the rib end, which is
ventral to, but not more than 5.0 inches (12.5 cm) or less than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M.
longissimus dorsi at the rib end. All bones, cartilages, backstrap, prescapular lymph gland,
heart fat, thymus gland, and the tendinous end of the shank evidencing less than 75 percent
lean on a cross-sectional cut shall be removed.
Item No. 126A - Beef Chuck, Armbone, Clod-Out, Boneless - This item is as described in
Item No. 126 except the shoulder is excluded.
Item No. 127 - Beef Chuck, Cross-Cut - This item consists of the intact square-cut chuck,
foreshank, and brisket and shall contain 5 ribs. The rib end of the chuck shall be a straight cut
between the 5th and 6th ribs. The thymus gland and heart fat shall be closely removed.
Item No. 128 - Beef Chuck, Cross-Cut, Boneless - This item consists of the intact boneless
foreshank, brisket, and square-cut chuck with the full clod separated but included. The rib end
of the chuck shall be a straight cut which exposes the M. longissimus dorsi to be at least twice
as large as the M. complexus. No fewer than 5 rib marks shall be present. The shoulder shall
be separated as described in Item No. 114. Unless otherwise specified, the chuck shall be
separated into two portions by a straight cut, approximately parallel with the dorsal side, which
is ventral to, but not more than 5.0 inches (12.5 cm) or less than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from, the M.
longissimus dorsi at the rib end. The remainder of the chuck may be separated into 2 portions
by a straight cut, approximately parallel to the dorsal side, ventral to, but not more than 3.0
inches (7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi. In addition, the shank meat and brisket may be
separated when specified by the purchaser. Unless otherwise specified, one of each portion
shall be individually wrapped and packed in the same container. All bones, cartilages,
backstrap, prescapular lymph gland, and the tendinous end of the shank exposing less than 75
percent lean on a cross-sectional cut shall be removed.
Item No. 130 - Beef Chuck, Short Ribs - This item may be derived from the arm portion of any
IMPS chuck item and shall include ribs 2 through 5, M. intercostales interni, and M. serratus
ventralis. This item shall be trimmed practically free of surface fat. The dorsal edge shall
have no evidence of the cartilaginous junctures of the ribs and thoracic vertebrae.
Item No. 130A - Beef Chuck, Short Ribs, Boneless (IM) - This item is prepared from Item No.
130 and shall consist of the M. serratus ventralis from the arm portion of the chuck. The ribs
and M. intercostales interni shall be removed. This item shall have at least four rib marks
extending to the dorsal and ventral edge of the M. serratus ventralis. This item shall be
trimmed practically free of fat and shall be no less than ½-inch (13 mm) thick at any point.
Item No. 132 - Beef Triangle - This item consists of the forequarter minus the rib. The rib
shall be removed by a straight cut between the 5th and 6th ribs and separated from the plate by
43
a straight cut exposing the cross section of 7 ribs. The flank end shall follow the natural
curvature of the remaining portion of the 12th rib. The diaphragm may be removed.
However, if present it shall be firmly attached and the membranous portion shall be trimmed
close to the lean. The thymus gland and heart fat shall be removed.
Item No. 133 - Beef Triangle, Boneless - This item is prepared from Item No. 132. The rib
shall be removed by a straight cut between the 5th and 6th rib marks exposing the M.
longissimus dorsi to be twice as large as the M. complexus and separated from the plate by a
straight cut which exposes the cross section of 7 rib marks. No portions of the M. longissimus
dorsi or M. pectoralis profundi shall be exposed and the M. serratus ventralis shall be
continuous for at least 2 rib marks across the cut surface. The flank end shall follow the natural
curvature of the remaining portion of the 12th rib mark. The diaphragm may be removed.
However, if present it shall be firmly attached and the membranous portion shall be trimmed
close to the lean. The shoulder shall be separated as described in Item No. 114 and included.
All bones, cartilages, serous membrane (peritoneum), prescapular lymph gland, thymus gland,
backstrap, and the tendinous end of the shank exposing less than 75 percent lean on a
cross-sectional cut shall be removed.
Item No. 134 - Beef Bones - This item consists of any one or combination of shank, femur, or
humerus bones sawed into sections of lengths as specified by the purchaser. Marrow shall be
exposed on at least one end of each sawed section.
Item No. 135 - Diced Beef - Diced beef shall be prepared from any portion of the carcass which
yields product that meets the end item requirements. Unless otherwise specified, shank,
detached Mm. cutaneous, and heel meat shall be excluded. When heel meat is allowed by the
purchaser, the M. superficial digital flexor shall be removed from the M. gastrocnemius through
the natural seams. To facilitate dicing, meat may be frozen and/or tempered, one time only.
The meat shall be either hand diced or mechanically diced (grinding is not permitted). Dices
shall be free of bones, cartilages, heavy connective tissue, and lymph glands. Unless
otherwise specified, at least 75 percent, by weight, of the resulting dices shall be of a size
equivalent to not less than a ¾-inch (19 mm) cube or not more than a 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) cube
and no individual surface shall be more than 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) in length. The surface and/or
seam fat shall not exceed ½-inch (13 mm) thickness at any point.
Item No. 135A - Beef for Stewing - This item is as described in Item No. 135 except (unless
otherwise specified) at least 85 percent, by weight, of the resulting dices shall be of a size
equivalent to not less than a ¾-inch (19 mm) cube or not more than a 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) cube
and no individual surface shall be more than 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) in length. The fat thickness of
the surface and/or seam fat shall not exceed ¼-inch (6 mm) at any point.
Item No. 135B - Beef for Kabobs - This item is as described in Item No. 135 except (unless
otherwise specified) at least 90 percent, by weight, of the resulting dices shall be of a size
equivalent to not less than a 1.0 inch (25 mm) cube or not more than a 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) cube
and no individual surface shall be more than 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) in length. The fat thickness of
the surface and/or seam fat shall not exceed ⅛-inch (3 mm) at any point.
Item No. 135C- Beef for Stir Fry - Beef for stir-fry shall be prepared from any portion of the
carcass exclusive of shank, detached cutaneous muscles, and heel meat unless otherwise
specified. When heel meat is allowed by the purchaser, the M. superficial digital flexor shall be
separated and excluded from the M. gastronemius through the natural seams. The meat may
be hand sliced or mechanically sliced (grinding is not permitted) to yield pieces that are
approximately ½-inch (12 mm) in width, 1 inch (25 mm) thickness, and 3 inches (75 mm) in
44
length. No individual surface shall be more than 4 inches in length. Slices shall be free of
bone, cartilage, heavy connective tissue, and lymph glands. Surface and seam fat shall not
exceed ¼ -inch (7mm) at any point.
Beef for stir-fry shall be made from raw materials that comply
1 with fat limitation option 6, peeled, denuded, surface
membrane removed.
The item shall be made exclusively from Item No. 121D, Inside
Skirt and/or Item No. 193, Flank Steak. All membranous
2 tissue shall be removed.
Item No. 136 - Ground Beef - Unless otherwise specified, ground beef may be derived from
boneless meat which has been frozen and stockpiled. The purchaser may specify the
maximum amount of frozen boneless meat that can be mixed with fresh-chilled meat prior to
final grinding. All objectionable materials listed in the material requirements shall be removed.
When specified by the purchaser, “finely textured beef”, low temperature rendered beef that is
processed from boneless beef trimmings, is allowed to be combined with boneless beef
meeting the above material requirements provided it does not exceed 20 percent by weight of
the combined finished product. When finely textured beef is used, the following criteria must
be met:
Criteria Description
The producer of finely textured beef shall assure that the
product has a discernible redness in color. The finely
Red Color textured beef shall maintain the same redness in color until
the time of blending and grinding to minimize the effect of
the color to the finished ground beef.
Grinding equipment shall have sharp knives and plates and be equipped with a bone/collector
system. Objectionable material removed during final grinding may not be reintroduced into the
finished product. The boneless meat shall be ground at least once through a plate having
holes not larger than 1.0 inch (25 mm) in diameter, unless otherwise specified. Alternatively,
boneless beef may be chopped or machine cut by any method provided the texture and
appearance of the product after final grinding is typical of ground beef prepared by grinding
only. Beef shall be thoroughly blended at least once prior to final grinding. However, the
ground beef shall not be mixed after final grinding. Unless otherwise specified, final grinding
shall be through a plate having holes ⅛-inch (3 mm) in diameter.
45
The purchaser may specify the use of a bone collector/extruder system on the final grind
(3/ 16 -inch (5 mm) or smaller plate) to remove objectionable materials (bone, cartilage,
connective tissue, etc.). For certification purposes, the purchaser may waive examination for
trimming defects provided the use of a bone collector/extruder system is specified.
When coarse ground beef is specified, boneless meat shall be ground once through a plate
having holes no larger than 1.0 inch (25 mm) and no smaller than ⅝-inch (16 mm) in diameter.
Alternatively, the boneless meat may be ground twice, with the smallest plate having holes no
larger than 1.0 inch (25 mm) and no smaller than ¾-inch (19 mm) in diameter. Coarse ground
meat may be blended after grinding or between grinds to assure uniformity of fat content. The
term “coarse ground” shall appear on the product label.
Unless otherwise specified, the fat content shall be 20 percent fat. The purchaser may specify
a different fat content provided it does not exceed 30 percent.
Item No. 136A – Ground Beef and Soy Protein Product Patty Mix- This item is as described
in Item No. 136 except that soy protein product (SPP) shall be added. Source (e.g., soy),
Type1/ (flour, concentrate, or isolate), and Texture (granular or textured) of SPP shall be
specified by the purchaser. The SPP may be used dry, partially hydrated, or fully hydrated. If
not specified, the dry SPP shall be fully hydrated to yield a minimum of 18 percent protein. To
determine the maximum amount of water to be mixed with the dry VPP to yield 18 percent
protein in the mixture, the following equation shall be used:
Equation
[(Percent Protein of SPP on “As-Is” Basis / 18) – 1] = x
The SPP shall be hydrated for the length of time listed on the product label. If this information
is not available, the product shall be hydrated until all water is absorbed. The purchaser shall
specify any level of substitution of hydrated SPP in the combined finished product up to 30
percent. If not specified, the maximum percent of hydrated protein product in the combined
finished product shall not exceed 20 percent. The hydrated SPP shall be used in the same
working day in which it was hydrated. The hydrated SPP shall be blended with the raw meat
(in the specified ratio) following the initial reduction in size.
SPP hydrated and frozen by the SPP manufacturer may be used provided that: (1) the protein
content of the hydrated product (as specifically stated on the manufacturer's label) is not less
than 18 percent: (2) the product may be tempered, but not thawed, prior to use; and (3) no
additional water may be added.
Item No. 136C - Beef Patty Mix, NTE 10% Fat - This item is as described in Item No. 136
except that the fat content shall not exceed 10 percent. Additional ingredients may be added
46
to enhance product acceptability. Such ingredients shall not exceed 10 percent of the
combined finished product. The purchaser may specify the ingredients that will be allowed.
Item No. 136D – Pure Beef - This item is as described in Item No. 136 except that the finely
textured beef that is labeled as partially defatted chopped beef or that does not comply with the
criteria listed in Item No. 136 may be used NTE 20 percent by weight of the combined finished
product.
1/
Any one or combination of the following types of SPP may be used. When a combination of
these are produced by the SPP manufacturer, the amount of each type and minimum protein
content (as is basis) of the mixture shall be declared on the manufacturer's label.
Item No. 137 - Ground Beef, Special - This item is as described in Item No. 136 except that
not less than 50 percent, by weight, of any combination of boneless primal rounds, loins, ribs, or
square-cut chucks or subprimals derived from the primal portions (e.g., chuck rolls, shoulders,
tips, bottom sirloin butts) of the carcass shall be used. The remaining portion, NTE 50 percent
by weight, may be composed of trimmings or cuts from any portion of the carcass. The
purchaser may specify a grade requirement for the "primal" portion and/or the remaining
portion. Formulation requirements shall be determined on a boneless basis. Primal or
subprimal cuts which have more than a minor amount of lean removed are not eligible for the
primal portion.
The purchaser may specify one of the following styles if ground beef derived from the primal
portion as desired. Product produced in accordance with the following styles shall be labeled
accordingly.
Style Description
47
Ground Beef, Sirloin - Ground beef sirloin may be derived
from any portion of any IMPS boneless sirloin item. When
the purchaser specifies fat content to be 15 percent or less or
when the producer's label declares that the fat content of
4
packaged ground beef sirloin product is 15 percent or less,
then the producer may be allowed to use any portion of any
IMPS tip item up to 50 percent of the formulation as a lean
source.
Item No. 137A – Ground Beef and Soy Protein Product, Special - This item is as described
in Item No. 137 except that soy protein product shall be added as described in Item No. 136A.
Item No. 138 - Beef Trimmings - Beef trimmings may be prepared from any portion of the
carcass which yields product that meets end item requirements. All objectionable materials
listed in the material requirements shall be removed. Ground product is not permitted.
Unless, otherwise specified by the purchaser, trimmings derived from automatic deboning
machines and advance lean retrieval systems shall be excluded. The purchaser may specify
that the trimmings meet the IMPS microbial requirements for ground beef as specified within the
IMPS QAP.
Item No. 139 - Beef, Special Trim, Boneless - Beef trimmings may be prepared from any
portion of the carcass which yields product that meets the end item requirements. Unless
otherwise specified, shank and heel meat shall be excluded. When heel meat is allowed by
the purchaser, the M. superficial digital flexor shall be removed from the M. gastrocnemius
through the natural seams. Unless otherwise specified, trimmings shall consist of pieces
which have a surface area on one side which is no less than 8.0 square inches (51.6 sq. cm)
and are no less than ½-inch (13 mm) thick at any point. All bones, cartilages, heavy
connective tissue, detached Mm. cutaneous, and lymph glands shall be removed. Trimmings
shall be practically free of surface and seam fat.
Item No. 140 – Beef, Hanging Tender (IM) – This item is a soft, grainy textured, elliptical
shaped muscle that is attached to the diaphragm and the juncture of the lumbar/thoracic
vertebrae.
Item No. 155 - Beef Hindquarter - The hindquarter is the posterior portion of the side after
severance from the forequarter as described in Item No. 100.
Item No. 155A - Beef Hindquarter, Boneless - This item is prepared from Item No. 155 and
shall be boneless. The rib end shall be exposed by a cut that follows the natural curvature of
the 12th rib mark and exposes the M. spinalis dorsi not extending more than half the length of
the M. longissimus dorsi. The tenderloin shall be excluded unless otherwise specified by the
purchaser. All bones, cartilages, prefemoral and popliteal lymph glands, hanging tender,
kidney, and kidney knob shall be removed. The tendinous ends of the shank and round tip
48
shall be cut to evidence no less than 75 percent lean. The purchaser shall specify if this item
shall remain intact or be separated into cuts.
Item No. 157 - Beef Hindshank - This item is prepared from Item No. 158. The hindshank
shall be removed by a cut through the stifle joint that follows the natural seam between the
shank and the heel (M. gastrocnemius and M. super digital flexor). All hock bones and the
gambrel cord shall be removed.
Item No. 158 - Beef Round, Primal - This item consists of the round (top and bottom round,
portion of the tip, rump, heel, and shank). The loin end shall be exposed by a straight cut
which is anterior to but not more than 1.0 inch (25 mm) from the posterior end of the
protuberance of the femur pocket. The M. tensor fasciae latae shall not extend completely
around the outside of the sirloin tip (knuckle). No more than two vertebra shall remain on the
round. The M. obliquus abdominis internus (flap muscle) shall be removed. This item is
sometimes referred to as the “Beef Hip”.
Item No. 158A - Beef Round, Diamond-Cut - This item consists of the round (top, bottom,
heel, rump, and shank) and the full sirloin tip (knuckle). The loin shall be removed by two
straight cuts which expose the ball of the femur (the protuberance may not be severed), and
leaves the full sirloin Tip (knuckle) attached. The first cut shall start at a point passing through
the 4th sacral vertebra and extend to the ball of the femur. The second cut shall extend from
the ball of the femur to a point on the ventral edge exposing the tensor fasciae latae extending
completely around the outside of the sirloin tip (knuckle). The M. obliquus abdominis internus
(flap muscle) shall be removed. The full sirloin tip (knuckle) may be separated from the round.
If separated, it shall be separated as described in Item No. 167, and individually packaged and
packed into the same container.
Item No. 158B – Beef Round, NY Style – This item is as described within Item No. 158A,
except that the full tip (sirloin tip) shall be excluded by cutting through the natural seams so that
the cut consists of the top, bottom, heel, rump, and shank. When the sirloin tip is removed by
cutting through the natural seams and left attached to the bottom sirloin prior to separation of
the round from the sirloin, then the sirloin tip may be referred to as beef loin, bottom sirloin,
sirloin tip.
Item No. 159 - Beef Round, Primal, Boneless - This item is prepared from Item No. 158.
The M. tensor fasciae latae shall not extend completely around the outside of the sirloin tip
(knuckle). The top (inside) round shall include the M. semimembranosus, M. sartorius, M.
adductor, M. gracilis, and M. pectineus and shall be separated from the sirloin tip through the
natural seam. All bones, cartilages, M. obliquus abdominis internus, the sacrociatic ligament,
the lean and fat that overlaid the sacrociatic ligament, the lean and fat (oyster) that overlaid the
aitch bone, the thick opaque portion of the M. gracilis membrane, and popliteal and prefemoral
lymph glands shall be removed. The tendinous ends of the shank and sirloin tip shall be cut to
evidence no less than 75 percent lean. The sirloin tip (knuckle) may be separated. If
separated, it shall be separated as described in Item No. 167, and individually packaged and
packed into the same container.
Item No. 160 - Beef Round, Shank-Off, Semi-Boneless - This item is as prepared in Item No.
158 except that the aitch bone, tail bones and the shank shall be removed. The shank is
removed at the stifle joint by a cut through the natural seam between the heel and hindshank.
The M. tensor fasciae latae shall not extend completely around the outside of the sirloin tip.
The aitch bone, oyster (aitch bone overlying fat and lean), tail bones, sacrociatic ligament, the
lean and fat that overlaid the ligament, the thick opaque portion of the M. gracilis membrane,
49
and exposed lymph glands shall be removed. The sirloin tip (knuckle) may be separated. If
separated, it shall be separated as described in Item No. 167, and individually packaged and
packed into the same container.
Item No. 160A - Beef Round, Diamond Cut, Shank Off, Semi-Boneless - This item is
prepared from Item No. 158A. The tail bones (sacral vertebrae), aitch bone and shank shall be
removed. The shank is removed at the stifle joint by a cut through the natural seam between
the heel and hindshank. On the loin end, the M. tensor fasciae latae shall extend completely
around the outside of the sirloin tip and the M. biceps femoris shall be equal to or smaller than
the M. gluteus medius. The sirloin tip may be separated. If separated, the sirloin tip shall be
separated as described in Item No. 167, and individually packaged and packed into the same
container. The aitch bone (and overlying fat and lean (oyster)), tail bones, sacrociatic
ligament, the lean and fat that overlaid the ligament, the thick opaque portion of the M. gracilis
membrane, and exposed lymph glands shall be removed.
Item No. 160B - Beef Round, Heel and Shank-Off, Semi-Boneless - This item is described in
Item No. 160 except that the heel is removed by cutting through the natural seams.
Item No. 161 - Beef Round, Shank Off, Boneless - This item is as prepared in Item No. 159
except that the shank is removed as described in Item No. 160. Unless otherwise specified,
the popliteal lymph gland shall be removed.
Item No. 161A - Beef Round, Diamond Cut, Shank Off, Boneless - This item is as described
as in Item No. 160A except that the femur bone and related cartilage shall be removed. Unless
otherwise specified, the popliteal lymph gland shall be removed.
Item No. 161B - Beef Round, Heel and Shank Off, Without Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Boneless
- This item is as described in Item No. 161 except that the heel and sirloin tip shall be removed
by cutting through natural seams.
Item No. 163 - Beef Round, Shank Off, 3-Way, Boneless - This item shall consist of the
following IMPS Items that are individually packaged and packed into the same container:
Item No. 163A - Round, Shank Off, 3-Way, Untrimmed, Boneless - This item shall consist of
the following IMPS Items that are individually packaged and packed into the same container:
Item No. 165 - Beef Round, Rump and Shank Off, Boneless - This item is prepared as
described in Item No. 164 except that all bones, cartilage, and lymph glands (including the
popliteal) shall be removed.
Item No. 165A - Beef Round, Rump and Shank Off, Boneless, Special - This item is as
described in Item No. 164 except that the rump shall be removed without severing any portion of
the sirloin tip (the M. vastus lateralis nor the M. rectus femoris). All bones, cartilage, and lymph
glands (including the popliteal) shall be removed.
Item No. 165B - Beef Round, Rump and Shank Off, Boneless, Special - This item is as
described in Item No. 165A except that it shall be netted or tied.
Item No. 166 - Beef Round, Rump and Shank Off, Boneless - This item is as described in
Item No. 165 except that it shall be netted or tied.
Item No. 166A - Beef Round, Rump Partially Removed, Shank Off - This item is as prepared
in Item No. 164 except the rump shall be partially removed anterior to the top or inside round
exposing the M. semitendinosus, the ball and the protuberance of the femur (the ball may not be
severed). The aitch bone (and overlying fat and lean (oyster)), tail bones, sacrociatic ligament
(and overlying lean and fat), exposed lymph glands, and the thick opaque portion of the M.
gracilis membrane are removed along with the rump.
Item No. 166B - Beef Round, Rump and Shank Partially Off, Handle On - This item is as
described in Item No. 164 except that the rump is removed by a straight cut which exposes the
M. semitendinosus, and a cross section of the ball of the femur. This cut does not sever the
medial portion of the M. rectus femoris but may sever the M. vastus lateralis and/or main portion
of the M. rectus femoris. The shank and heel meat shall be removed from the shank bone by a
straight cut perpendicular to the ventral edge of the round that is posterior to, but no more than
2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from, the stifle joint leaving no more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm) of the shank
bone (tibia) exposed and firmly intact. The exposed shank bone shall be trimmed practically
free of lean. This item is commonly referred to as “Baron of Beef”.
Item No. 167 - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) - This boneless item is prepared from Item
No. 158 and consists of the posterior portion of the full sirloin tip (M. vastus intermedius, M.
vastus lateralis, M. vastus medialis, and M. rectus femoris). The M. tensor fasciae latae,
though not completely extending around the outside of the sirloin tip (knuckle) shall be
exposed on the loin end. A portion of the M. sartorius may remain, if firmly attached. The loin
end shall expose the M. tensor fasciae latae not completely extending around the outside of the
sirloin tip. The sirloin tip is separated from the top (inside) round and bottom (gooseneck)
51
round between the natural seams. All bones and cartilages shall be removed. The tendinous
end shall be removed exposing no less than 75 percent lean. When specified, the sirloin tip
shall be split lengthwise into approximate equal portions.
Item No. 167A - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip, (Knuckle) Peeled - This boneless item is as
prepared in Item No. 167 except that the M. tensor fasciae latae muscle, fat, and "skin" tissue
are removed. When smaller roast are specified, the sirloin tip shall be split lengthwise into
approximate equal portions.
Item No. 167B - Beef Round, Full Sirloin Tip - This boneless item is prepared from Item No.
158A or 158B and consists of the intact sirloin tip portion of the round and the bottom sirloin (the
M. rectus femoris, M. vastus medialis, M. vastus lateralis, M. vastus intermedius) and M. tensor
fasciae latae. The sirloin tip is separated from the top (inside) round, bottom (gooseneck)
round, and the top sirloin between the natural seams. All bones, cartilages, and the M.
obliquus abdominis internus shall be removed. The tendinous end shall be removed exposing
no less than 75 percent lean. When smaller roast are specified, the sirloin tip shall be split
lengthwise into approximate equal portions. When the sirloin tip is removed by cutting through
the natural seams and left attached to the bottom sirloin prior to separation of the round from the
sirloin, then the sirloin tip may be referred to as Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin, Sirloin Tip.
Item No. 167C - Beef Round, Sirloin (Full) Tip, Trimmed - This item is as described in Item
No. 167B except that the M. tensor fascia latae, and skin tissue are removed. This item shall
be trimmed practically free of fat. When smaller roast are specified, the sirloin tip shall be split
lengthwise into approximate equal portions.
Item No. 167D - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Peeled, 2-Piece - This item is as
described in Item Nos. 167A or 167C except that the M. vastus lateralis and the M. rectus
femoris are separated by cutting through the seam. The M. sartorius, M. vastus medialis, and
M. vastus intermedialis shall be removed by cutting through the natural seams.
Item No. 167E – Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Center Roast (IM) – This item shall
consist of the M. rectus femoris only from any IMPS Round Sirloin Tip item. It is separated
from the muscles of the round as described within IMPS Item 167D.
Item No. 167F – Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Side Roast (IM) – This item consists of
the M. vastus lateralis from any IMPS Round Sirloin tip item. It is separated from the muscles
of the sirloin tip as described within IMPS Item 167D.
52
Item No. 168 - Beef Round, Top (Inside), Untrimmed - This boneless item consists of the M.
semimembranosus, M. sartorius, M. adductor, M. gracilis, and M. pectineus and is separated
from the bottom round and sirloin tip through the natural seams. The M. iliopsoas may remain
if firmly attached. All bones, cartilages, and exposed lymph glands shall be removed.
Item No. 169 - Beef Round, Top (Inside) - This boneless item is as described in Item No. 168
except that the thick opaque portion of the M. gracilis membrane shall be removed. When
smaller roast are specified, the top round shall be split by no more than 2 lengthwise cuts, and
subsequent cuts, if necessary, shall be made girthwise separating the item into approximate
equal portions.
Item No. 169A - Beef Round, Top (Inside), Cap Off - This item is as described in Item No. 169
except that the M. gracilis and the loose (soft) side (M. pectineus and M. sartorius) shall be
removed by cutting through the natural seams. This item is often referred to as COSMO
(cap-off, side muscle off).
Item No. 169B - Beef Round, Top (Inside), Cap (IM) - This item shall consist of the M. gracilis
from the top round that is removed as described in Item No. 169A.
Item No. 169C – Beef Round, Top (Inside), Front Side Muscle (IM) – This item shall consist
of the M. pectineus that is separated from the ventral (loose or soft side) side (adjacent to the
sirloin tip) of the top round by cutting through the natural seams.
Item No. 169D – Beef Round, Top (Inside), Soft Side Removed – This item is as described
within Item 169, except that the loose (soft) side (M. pectineus and M. sartorius) shall be
removed by cutting through the natural seams.
Item No. 169E – Beef Round, Top (Inside), One Muscle (IM) – This item consists of the M.
adductor removed from the M. semimembranosus by cutting through the natural seam.
Item No. 170 - Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck) - This boneless item consists of the M.
semitendinosus, M. biceps femoris, and heel and may contain the M. gluteus medius, M.
gluteus accessorius, and M. gluteus profundus. The M. semitendinosus muscle shall not be
exposed on the loin end. The top round, sirloin tip, and shank are removed between the
natural seams. All bones, cartilages, sacrociatic ligament, the lean and fat that overlaid the
sacrociatic ligament, popliteal lymph gland, and the heavy opaque connective tissue separating
the bottom round from the sirloin tip shall be removed.
Item No. 170A - Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck), Heel Out - This item is as prepared in
Item No. 170 except that the heel is removed. The heel is removed along the natural seam
adjacent to the M. semitendinosus and M. biceps femoris. When specified, the bottom round
shall be split into approximate equal portions by cutting at an approximate right angle to the
length of the item.
Item No. 171 - Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck), Untrimmed - This item is as described in
Item No. 170 except that the popliteal lymph gland, and the opaque heavy connective tissue
53
(silver skin) along the ventral side may remain. All bones and cartilages shall be removed.
Item No. 171A - Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck), Untrimmed, Heel Out - This item is as
described in Item No. 171 except that the heel (M. superficial digital flexor and M.
gastrocnemius) is removed along the natural seam adjacent to the M. semitendinosus and M.
biceps femoris.
Item No. 171B - Beef Round, Outside Round (Flat)- This boneless item shall consist of the M.
biceps femoris, and may contain the M. gluteus medius, M. gluteus profundus and M. gluteus
accessorius. The loin end shall expose the M. biceps femoris equal to or larger than the M.
gluteus medius (when present). The outside round is separated from the top round, Sirloin tip,
heel, and M. semitendinosus (eye of round) between the natural seams. All bones, cartilages,
sacrociatic ligament and the lean and fat that overlaid the ligament, the opaque heavy
connective tissue (silver skin) along the ventral side, and the popliteal lymph gland shall be
removed.
Item No. 171C - Beef Round, Eye of Round (IM) - This boneless item consists of the M.
semitendinosus and shall not be severed on either end. The eye is separated from the top and
outside rounds and heel between the natural seams.
Item No. 171D – Beef Round, Outside Round, Side Muscle Removed (IM) – This item is as
described in IMPS 171B, except that the side muscle (M. biceps femoris ischiatic head) is
removed by cutting through the natural seam.
Item No. 171E – Beef Round, Outside Round, Side Roast, (IM) – This item shall consist of
the M. biceps femoris ischiatic head, which is found on the dorsal portion of IMPS Item No.
171B.
Item No. 171F – Beef Round, Outside Round, Heel – This item consists of the heel portion of
the bottom round (gooseneck). It is separated as described in IMPS No. 170A.
Item No. 171G – Beef Round, Outside Round, Rump (IM) – This item shall consist of the
anterior portion of the M. biceps femoris of IMPS 171B. The M. gluteus medius, M. gluteus
profundis, and M. gluteus accessorius shall be excluded. The rump shall be removed from the
outside round by a cut that is at or immediately anterior to the M. biceps femoris ischiatic head.
Item No. 172 - Beef Loin, Full Loin, Trimmed - This item is that portion of hindquarter
remaining after removal of Item No. 158 and shall consist of the short loin, sirloin and the 13th
rib. The hanging tender, kidney and kidney knob, and excess internal fat shall be removed.
The rib end shall follow the natural curvature of the 13th rib. The flank shall be removed by a
54
straight cut ventral to, but not more than 6.0 inches (15.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at
the rib end to a point on the round end which is ventral, to but not more than 1.0 inch (25 mm)
from, the M. tensor fasciae latae. The fat covering the lumbar, sacral, and tenderloin regions
shall be trimmed NTE 1.0 inch (25 mm) in depth at any point. Fat over the rib (on the inside
surface) shall be removed.
Item No. 172A - Beef Loin, Full Loin, Diamond Cut, Trimmed- This item is as described in
Item No. 172 except that the round shall be removed by two straight cuts. The first cut shall
start at a point passing through the 4th sacral vertebra and extend to the ball of the femur. The
second cut shall extend from the ball of the femur to a point on the ventral edge exposing the M.
tensor fasciae latae extending completely around the outside of the sirloin tip (if present).
Item No. 173 - Beef Loin, Short Loin - This item consists of the anterior section of the loin and
contains the 13th rib. The rib end shall follow the natural curvature of the 13th rib. The sirloin
shall be removed by a straight cut anterior to the hip cartilage, forming an approximate right
angle with the length of the short loin that exposes the M. gluteus medius. The flank shall be
removed by a straight cut ventral to but not more than 6.0 inches (15.0 cm) from the M.
longissimus dorsi at the rib end to a point on the sirloin end that is ventral to, but not more than
10.0 inches (25.4 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi. The fat covering the lumbar, sacral, and
tenderloin regions shall be trimmed NTE 1.0 inch (25 mm) in depth at any point. Fat over the
rib (on the inside surface) and the hanging tender shall be removed.
Item No. 174 - Beef Loin, Short Loin, Short-Cut - This item is as prepared in Item No. 173
except that the flank shall be removed by a straight cut ventral, to but not more than 3.0 inches
(7.5 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end to a point on the sirloin end ventral to, but
not more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi.
PSO’s for flank removal by a straight cut are as follows. (Rib end x Sirloin end)
3 Other
Item No. 175 - Beef Loin, Strip Loin, Bone In - This item is as prepared in Item No. 173
except that the tenderloin and the protruding edge of the chine bones are removed. The chine
bones shall be removed along the dorsal edge of the spinal grove without scoring the M.
longissimus dorsi (when exposed). The flank shall be removed by a straight cut ventral, to but
not more than 6.0 inches (15.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end to a point on the
sirloin end ventral to, but not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi.
The PSO’s for flank removal by a straight cut are as follows. (Rib end x Sirloin end)
55
1 4 in. (10.0 cm) x 3 in. (7.5 cm)
4 1x0
5 0x0
6 Other
Item No. 176 – Beef Loin, Steak Tail – This item may contain any combination of the
M. obliquus abdominis externus and M. obliquus abdominis internus that are found
ventral to the M. longissimus dorsi on the hind quarter. Unless otherwise specified by
the purchaser, Fat Limitation Option 4 (FLO 4), Practically Free of Fat (75%
lean/seamed surface exposed), shall apply.
Item No. 180 - Beef Loin, Strip Loin, Boneless - This item is boneless and consist of the
anterior section of the loin and contains the 13th rib mark. The hanging tender and tenderloin
shall be removed. The rib end shall follow the natural curvature of the 13th rib mark. The
sirloin end shall be anterior to the hip cartilage, forming an approximate right angle with the
length of the short loin, and exposes the M. gluteus medius. The flank side shall be ventral to,
but not more than 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from the M. longissimus dorsi at the rib end to a point on
the sirloin end ventral to, but not more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from the M. longissimus dorsi.
The PSO’s for flank removal by a straight cut are as follows. (Rib end x Sirloin end)
Item No. 181 - Beef Loin, Sirloin - This item is the posterior section of the full loin. The short
loin shall be removed by a straight cut anterior to the hip cartilage and approximately parallel
with the round end exposing the M. gluteus medius. The round shall be removed by a straight
cut anterior to the ball and/or protuberance of the femur. The flank shall be removed by a
straight cut ventral to, but not more than 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi on
the short loin end to a point on the round end ventral to, but not more than 1.0 inch (25 mm)
from, the M. tensor fasciae latae. The fat covering the lumbar, sacral, and tenderloin regions
shall be trimmed NTE 1.0 inch (25 mm) in depth at any point.
56
Item No. 181A - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin, Bone In - This item is described in Item No. 181
except that the bottom sirloin and butt tender are removed. The bottom sirloin shall be
removed by a straight cut along the natural seam (between the M. gluteus medius and sirloin
tip) and continues to the outside surface leaving a portion of the M. tensor fasciae latae
attached to the top sirloin. The butt tender is excluded by separating it from the hip bone. The
protruding points of the hip bone socket and the first sacral vertebrae shall be removed to
facilitate handling and packaging.
Item No. 182 - Beef Loin, Sirloin Butt, Boneless - This item is prepared from Item No. 181.
The short loin shall be removed by a straight cut anterior to, but not more than 1.0 inch (25 mm)
from, the posterior end of the hip pocket and is approximately parallel to the round end exposing
the M. gluteus medius. The round shall be removed by a straight cut exposing the M. biceps
femoris approximately equal to or larger than the M. gluteus medius. The M. tensor fasciae
latae shall not extend completely around the outside of the Sirloin tip. The flank shall be
removed by a straight cut ventral to, but not more than 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) from, the M.
longissimus dorsi on the short loin end to a point on the round end ventral to, but not more than
1.0 inch (25 mm) from, the M. tensor fasciae latae. All bones, cartilages, tenderloin, and the
sacrociatic ligament, and the lean and fat which overlaid the ligament shall be removed.
Item No. 183 - Beef Loin, Sirloin Butt, Trimmed, Boneless - This item is as described in Item
No. 182 except that the M. obliquus abdominis internus and the underlying connective tissue
shall be removed. The fat exposed by the removal of the M. obliquus abdominis internus shall
be exempt from any specified fat depth requirements.
Item No. 184 - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Boneless - This item is prepared from Item No.
182 and contains the M. gluteus medius, M. gluteus accessorius, M. gluteus profundus, and the
M. biceps femoris. The short loin end shall be approximately parallel to the round end
exposing the M. gluteus medius. On the round end, the M. biceps femoris shall be
approximately equal to or larger than the M. gluteus medius. The bottom sirloin shall be
removed by a cutting along the natural seam (between the M. rectus femoris and M. gluteus
medius) and continues to the outside surface leaving a portion of the M. tensor fasciae latae
attached to the top sirloin butt. The butt tender is also excluded. All bones, cartilages,
tenderloin, and the sacrociatic ligament and the lean and fat which overlaid the ligament shall
be removed.
Item No. 184A - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Semi Center-Cut, Boneless - This item is as
described in Item No. 184 except that the M. biceps femoris (cap) shall be removed. When
smaller roasts are specified, this item shall be split lengthwise into approximate equal portions.
Item No. 184B - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Center-Cut, Cap-Off, Boneless (IM) - This item
is as describe in Item No. 184 except that all muscles other than the M. gluteus medius shall be
removed. The flakes of surface fat remaining over the gluteus medius shall not exceed 1 inch
(2.5 cm) in their dimension nor 0.125 inch in depth at any one point. When smaller roast are
specified, this item shall be split lengthwise into approximate equal portions.
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When specified, the dorsal portion of the M. gluteus medius shall
be detached, from the main portion, by cutting through the seam.
1
The two pieces shall be packaged and placed within the same
shipping container.
Item No. 184C - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Untrimmed, Boneless - This item is as
described in Item No. 184 except that the sacrociatic ligament may remain.
Item No. 184D - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Cap (IM) - This item shall consist of the M.
biceps femoris which is removed from Item No. 184 by cutting through the natural seams. This
item is sometimes referred to as the “Coulotte”.
Item No. 184E - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, 2 Piece, Boneless - This item is as described in
Item No. 184 except that the cap muscle shall be separated from the top sirloin. The pieces
shall be trimmed to comply with specified fat thickness requirements and packaged together.
Item No. 184F – Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Center-Cut, Seamed, Dorsal Side, Boneless
(IM) – This item shall consist of the dorsal portion of the M. gluteus medius and shall be
removed, from the main portion, by cutting through the seam. This cut is sometimes referred
to as the ‘baseball cut’.
Item No. 185 - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Boneless - This item is prepared from Item
No. 182 and contains the M. tensor fasciae latae (tri tip); M. vastus medialis, M. vastus lateralis,
and M. rectus femoris (ball tip); and the M. obliquus abdominis internus (flap). The short loin
side shall be approximately parallel to the round end. The round end shall not expose the M.
tensor fasciae latae extending completely around the outside of the sirloin tip. The top sirloin
side shall not expose the M. gluteus medius but may expose the M. tensor fasciae latae and/or
tip. The flank side shall be exposed by a straight cut that is not more than 4.0 inches (10.0 cm)
in length on the short loin end to a point on the round end ventral to but not more than 1.0 inch
(25 mm) from the M. tensor fasciae latae. All bones and cartilages shall be removed.
Item No. 185A - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Flap, Boneless (IM) - This item consists of
the M. obliquus abdominis internus from the hindquarter and bottom sirloin butt which is
separated from the ball tip and M. tensor fasciae latae through the natural seam. All bones,
cartilages, and heavy connective tissue shall be removed.
Item No. 185B - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Ball Tip, Boneless - This item consists of
the M. vastus medialis, M. vastus lateralis, and M. rectus femoris (ball tip), from the bottom
sirloin butt and or the anterior porting of a full sirloin tip. The M. tensor fasciae latae and M.
obliquus abdominis internus are separated from the ball tip through the natural seam. All
bones, cartilages, and outside "skin" tissue shall be removed.
Item No. 185C - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip, Boneless (IM) - This item consists
of the M. tensor fasciae latae from the bottom sirloin butt and is separated from the ball tip and
M. obliquus abdominis internus through the natural seam. All bones, cartilages, and
connective tissue shall be removed.
Item No. 185D - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip, Defatted, Boneless - This item is as
described in Item No. 185C except that it shall be trimmed practically free of fat.
58
Item No. 186 - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Boneless, Trimmed - This item is as
described in Item No. 185 except that the M. obliquus abdominis internus and underlying
connective tissue are removed.
Item No. 188 – Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Bone-in – This item is derived from a short loin and
consists of the consists of M. psoas major and M. psoas minor, attached to the transverse
process of the lumbar vertebra. The anterior end shall be removed so that the psoas major is no
less than 2.5 inches (6.25 cm) in the longest dimension.
Item No. 189 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full – This item is derived from a full loin as described
in either Item Nos. 172 or 172A. The boneless item shall consist of the M. psoas major, M.
psoas minor, M. iliacus, and may show the presence of the M. sartorius. The M. obliquus
abdominis internus (flap), if present, shall be trimmed level with the fat surface. The sirloin butt
end of the tenderloin shall expose the M. psoas major, M. iliacus, and M. sartorius (when
present). The surface fat shall be trimmed NTE ¾-inch (19 mm) in depth at any point, from the
posterior end to the exposed lymph gland and shall be tapered down to the lean at a point not
beyond ¾ of the length of the tenderloin. The tenderloin shall be trimmed free of ragged
edges. All bones and cartilages shall be removed. A score into the tenderloin exceeding
½-inch (13 mm) in depth is not acceptable.
Item No. 189A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle On, Defatted - This item is as
described in Item No. 189 except that it shall be practically free of surface and wing fat (fat lying
between the main body of the tenderloin and the M. iliacus (wing muscle).
Item No. 189B - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle On, Partially Defatted - This item
is as described in Item No. 189 except that it shall be practically free of surface fat. The wing
fat may remain.
Item No. 190 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle Off, Defatted - This item is as
described in Item No. 189A except that the M. psoas minor (side muscle) shall be removed.
The principal membranous tissue over the M. psoas major shall remain intact.
Item No. 190A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle Off, Skinned - This item is as
described in Item No. 190 except that the principal membranous tissue covering the M. psoas
major shall be removed.
Item No. 190B - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Full, Side Muscle Off, Center-Cut, Skinned
(IM) - This item is as described in Item No. 190A except that the tenderloin tail (Item No. 192A)
and butt tenderloin (Item No. 191A) shall be removed. This item is sometime referred to as a
‘barrel’ cut.
Item No. 191 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Butt - This item shall consist of the sirloin butt portion of
the tenderloin. The sirloin, or butt end, shall expose the M. psoas major, M. psoas minor, M.
iliacus, and if present, the M. sartorius. Further the obliquus abdominis internus (flap), if also
present, shall be trimmed level with the fat surface. The anterior, or short loin, end shall be
exposed by a straight cut that exposes the M. psoas major and the M. psoas minor no further
along the length of the tenderloin than ½-inch (13 mm) beyond the M. iliacus. The surface fat
shall be trimmed NTE ¾-inch (19 mm) in depth at any point. The large lymph gland shall be
exposed. All bones, cartilages, and M. quadratus lumborum shall be removed. A score into
the tenderloin exceeding ½-inch (13 mm) is not acceptable.
59
Item No. 191A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Butt, Defatted - This item is as describe in Item No.
191 except that the surface and wing fat shall be trimmed practically free.
Item No. 191B - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Butt, Skinned - This item is as described in Item No.
191A except that the principal membranous tissue covering the M. psoas major shall be
removed.
Item No. 192 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin, Short - This item shall consist of the short loin portion of
the tenderloin and shall consist of the M. psoas major and M. psoas minor. The posterior end
shall only expose the M. psoas major and M. psoas minor. The fat shall be trimmed NTE
½-inch (13 mm) in depth at any point over the M. psoas major at the posterior end and shall be
tapered down over the M. psoas major to the anterior end of the tenderloin. All bones,
cartilages, and ragged edges shall be removed. A score into the tenderloin exceeding ½-inch
(13 mm) in depth is not acceptable.
Item No. 192A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Tails - This item shall consist of the thin portion of the
M. psoas major. The M. psoas minor may remain, if firmly attached.
Item No. 193 – Beef Flank, Flank Steak (IM) - This item consists of the M. rectus abdominis
from the flank region and is separated from the M. transversus abdominis, M. obliquus
abdominis internus, and M. obliquus abdominis externus through the natural seams. This item
shall be practically free of fat and the membranous tissue.
Item No. 194 - Beef Chuck and Flank, Rose Meat (IM). This boneless item shall consist of
the M. cutaneous trunci and the M. cutaneous omobrachialis muscles, an external muscle that
is connected to the posterior deep pectoral muscle and the tendon of the M. latissimus dorsi and
to the fascia above the stifle. It lies on the outside of the carcass and spans from the chuck to
the flank. It is usually pulled in the fabrication area while the carcass is still hanging and before
primal splitting. It is separated from the items 114, 121, and 123. Because of its flat,
triangular-like shape, this item is often referred to as the “elephant ear” and “shoulder rose
meat” because the meat has a lighter red color than most of the interior muscles of the carcass.
60
8.3 Portion Cut Descriptions
Item No. 1100 - Beef Cubed Steak - Cube steaks shall be prepared from any portion of the
carcass which yields product that meets the end item requirements. However, shank and heel
meat shall be excluded. Unless otherwise specified, the steaks shall be cubed twice at
approximate right angles. Knitting of 2 or more pieces and folding the meat when cubing is
permissible. After cubing, surface and seam fat shall not exceed 15 percent of the total area
on either side of the steak. Individual steaks shall remain intact when suspended ½-inch (13
mm) from the outer edge. The steaks shall be free of heavy connective tissue, bones,
cartilages, and lymph glands. This item may also be referred to as “minute”, “delicated” or “fast
fry” steak.
Item No. 1101 - Beef Cubed Steak, Special - This item is as described in Item No. 1100
except the steaks shall be prepared from any combination of lean from the round, loin, rib, or
chuck sections (excluding shank and heel meat) of the carcass. Knitting of two or more pieces
and folding the meat when cubing is not permissible. This item may also be referred to as
“minute”, “delicated”, or “fast fry” steak.
Item No. 1102 - Beef Braising Steak, Swiss - Braising steaks shall be prepared from any
combination of lean from the round, loin, rib, or chuck sections (excluding shank and heel meat)
of the carcass which yields product that meets the end item requirements. The steaks shall be
free of heavy connective tissue, bones, cartilages, and lymph glands. When specified, the raw
materials or the steaks shall be mechanically tenderized by using the multiple probe method
(pinning) not more than one time. Pressing, knitting, or folding two pieces of meat together is
not permissible. Surface and seam fat shall not exceed an average of ¼-inch (6 mm) in
thickness and the thickness at any one point shall not exceed ½-inch (13 mm). Surface fat,
measuring 0.1 inch (2 mm) or more in thickness, shall not exceed 50 percent of the
circumference of the steak. Individual steaks shall remain intact when suspended ½-inch (13
mm) from the outer edge. Alternatively, the purchaser may specify surface and seam fat
limitations in terms of maximum surface area percentage. Both surface and seam fat of the
total cut surface on either side of the steak shall not exceed the percentage specified by the
purchaser.
Item No. 1103 - Beef Rib, Rib Steak, Bone-In - Rib steaks may be prepared from any IMPS
bone-in rib item. The blade bone and related cartilage, feather bones, chine bones, backstrap,
and those muscles that are immediately below (M. subscapularis and M. rhomboideus) and
above (M. latissimus dorsi, M. infraspinatus, and M. trapezius) the blade bone and related
cartilages shall be removed. The short ribs shall be removed at a point which is no more than
3.0 inches (7.5 cm) from the ventral edge of the M. longissimus dorsi.
Item No. 1103A - Beef Rib, Rib Steak, Boneless - Rib steaks shall be as described in Item
No. 1103 except that all bones, cartilages, and M. intercostales interni shall be removed.
Item No. 1103B – Beef Rib, Rib Steak, Frenched, Bone-In – This item is prepared as
described in Item No. 1103 except that each steak must be cut between the ribs bones. The
rib bone shall be completely trimmed of the M. intercostales interni (frenched) and fat so that the
bone is exposed from the ventral edge of the M. longissimus dorsi to the end of the rib bone.
This item is often referred to as a “Cowboy Steak”.
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Option No. Description
Item No. 1112 - Beef Rib, Ribeye Roll Steak, Boneless - Ribeye roll steaks shall be prepared
from any IMPS ribeye roll item. The lip shall be removed exposing the natural seam
immediately ventral to the M. longissimus dorsi. This item is sometimes referred to as “tail off”.
Item No. 1112A - Beef Rib, Ribeye Steak, Lip-On, Boneless - Ribeye steaks, lip-on shall be
prepared from Item No. 112A. The short rib side shall be exposed by a straight cut which is
ventral to, but no more than 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from, the M. longissimus dorsi leaving the lip
firmly attached.
Item No. 1112B - Beef Rib, Ribeye Steak, Lip-On, Short Cut, Boneless - Ribeye steaks,
lip-on shall be as described in Item No. 1112A except that the short rib side shall be exposed by
a straight cut which is ventral to, but no more than 1.0 inch (25 mm) from, the M. longissimus
dorsi.
Item No. 1112C – Beef Rib, Ribeye Steak – Ribeye steaks shall be derived from the M.
longissimus dorsi from any ribeye roll item. When uniform thickness and portion weights are
specified, the ribeye may be portioned by cutting several steaks starting from the anterior end
(where the M. longissimus dorsi is smaller in diameter) and stopping at a point where the M.
longissimus dorsi is larger and more uniform in diameter. The remainder of the M. longissimus
dorsi shall be split by a lengthwise cut into two approximate equal in size sections and then
sliced into steaks meeting purchaser specified thickness and weight.
Item No. 1112D - Beef Rib, Ribeye Cap Steak - Boneless ribeye cap steaks shall be prepared
from the Mm. spinalis dorsi/multifidus dorsi muscle from any ribeye roll item. For portioning,
slice the ribeye cap at a right angle to the grain or direction of muscle fibers.
62
Item No. 1114D - Beef Chuck, Shoulder, Top Blade Steak (IM) - Top blade steaks shall be
prepared from Item No. 114D.
Item No. 1114E – Beef Chuck, Shoulder, Arm Steak, Boneless – The boneless arm steaks
shall be prepared from Item No. 114E after the M. triceps brachii medial head has been
removed. The steaks will be sliced across the grain of the M. triceps brachii long head.
Item No. 1114F - Beef Chuck, Shoulder Tender, Portioned (IM)- This item shall be
prepared from item No. 114F, Beef Chuck, Shoulder Tender (IM), PSO 1. The individual
steaks, sometimes referred to as “Petite Tender Medallions”, shall be prepared by a
straight cut across the grain in accordance with the purchaser’s specification with
respect to thickness or weight.
Item No. 1116D - Beef Chuck, Chuck Eye Roll Steak, Boneless - Chuck eye roll steaks shall
be prepared from Item No. 116D.
63
Steaks made from the chuck eye roll may be by cut into two
pieces by slicing the steaks with cuts that start at the ventral
side and ends at a point on dorsal side (where the feather
bones were). Alternatively, the chuck eye roll may be cut
2 into two approximate equal sized portions by making a
lengthwise cut which starts at the ventral side to a point on the
dorsal edge (where the feather bones were), then sliced into
portions. This item is often referred to as a ‘boneless country
style ribs’.
Item No. 1116G – Beef Chuck, Under Blade, Center Cut Steak – This item shall be prepared
from any portion of the serratus ventralis muscle as described within Item No. 116G and made
into steaks by slicing across the grain. This item is sometimes referred to as ‘Denver Cut’.
Item No. 1116H – Beef Chuck, Chuck Eye Steak – This item shall be prepared from the M.
complexus as described within Item No. 116H.
Item No. 1121D - Beef Plate, Inside Skirt Steak , Boneless (IM)- The steaks shall be
prepared from Item No. 121D.
Item No. 1121E - Beef Plate, Outside Skirt Steak, Skinned (IM) - The steaks shall be
prepared from Item No. 121E.
Item No. 1123 - Beef Short Ribs, Bone-In - This item may be prepared from any IMPS beef
chuck, rib, or plate short rib item. This item shall consist of the ribs, M. intercostales interni and
M. serratus ventralis intact. The M. serratus ventralis shall be continuous across both the
dorsal and ventral side of the specified number of ribs. The ribs shall be cut flanken style (e.g.,
cutting at a right angle to the rib bones) to specified thickness. The purchaser shall specify
both the width of the cut and the number of ribs in each portion.
Purchasers also have the option to request that the bone in short ribs be prepared from product
described in Item Nos. 123A, 123B, or 123C.
Purchasers who desire a boneless short rib should specify that the item be prepared from Item
No. 123D or 130A.
Item No. 1130 Beef Chuck, Short Rib, Bone In - This item may be prepared from a chuck
short rib as described in Item No. 130. The bone in short rib shall consist of the ribs, intercostal
meat, and the intact M. serratus ventralis muscle. The M. serratus ventralis muscle shall be
continuous across both the dorsal and ventral side of the specified portion. The ribs shall be
cut flanken-style by cutting them at a right angle to the rib bones. Purchaser may specify both
the width of the cut and the number of ribs in each portion.
Purchasers who desire a boneless chuck short rib should specify that the item be prepared from
Item No. 130A.
The purchaser may specify the following options for Item Nos. 1136, 1136A, 1136B, 1136C,
64
1137, and 1137A.
Item No. 1136 - Ground Beef Patties - The patties shall be prepared from Item No. 136.
Patties shall be frozen unless specified fresh.
Item No. 1136A – Ground Beef and Soy Protein Product Patties - The patties shall be
prepared from Item No. 136A. Patties shall be frozen unless specified fresh.
Item No. 1136C - Beef Patties, NTE 10% Fat- The patties shall be prepared from Item No.
136C.
Item No. 1136D – Pure Beef Patties – The patties shall be prepared from Item No. 136D.
Item No. 1137 - Ground Beef Patties, Special - The patties shall be prepared from Item No.
137.
Item No. 1137A - Beef and Soy Protein Product Patties, Special - The patties shall be
prepared from Item No. 137A.
Item No. 1138 - Beef Steaks, Flaked and Formed, Frozen - The steaks shall be prepared
from boneless beef that complies with the material requirements of Item No. 136 and shall be
flaked (grinding is not permitted) and formed. The flaking and forming process shall be in
compliance with FSIS Regulations. Product shall comply with fat content requirements of Item
No. 136. The purchaser shall specify shape and weight of steaks. When specified, the flaked
and formed steaks may be cubed (the term “cubed” may be included in the product label).
When specified the steaks shall be breaded and labeled appropriately. The breading and its
application shall be in accordance with FSIS Regulations.
Item No. 1138A - Beef Sandwich Steaks, Flaked, Chopped, Formed and Wafer Sliced,
Frozen - The steaks shall be prepared from boneless beef that complies with the material
requirements of Item No. 136. The flaking, chopping, forming, and slicing process shall be in
compliance with FSIS Regulations and shall produce steaks which are moderately fine
textured. Product shall comply with fat content requirements of Item No. 136. Each steak
shall consist of two or more thin slices weighing approximately one ounce each. No more than
a minor amount of green/brown/gray rings shall be present. Steaks shall be packaged with
paper separators between each steak. Unless otherwise specified, slices shall be
approximately 4.75 x 7.5 inches (12.0 x 19.1 cm). The purchaser shall specify weight and/or
number of slices per steak.
Item No. 1138B - Beef Steaks, Sliced and Formed, Frozen - The steak shall be prepared
65
from boneless beef that complies with Item No. 139. The slicing and forming process shall be
in accordance with FSIS Regulations. Ingredients may be added for the purpose of
tenderizing and binding and shall appear on the product label. The purchaser shall specify
weight, shape, and/or thickness of steaks.
Item No. 1139 – Beef Slices, Frozen – This item shall be derived from IMPS IM cut or cuts
specified by the purchaser.
Item No. 1140 – Beef Hanging Tender Steak - This item shall be prepared from Item
No. 140 - Hanging Tender (IM) by straight cuts across the grain along the length of the
hanging tender to the specifications of the purchaser for size. The steaks shall be
trimmed along the edges and top and bottom sides so that the steaks are free of any
heavy connective tissue or loose fat. The steak is sometimes referred to as a “hanger
steak”, “onglet steak” or “pillar”.
Item No. 1150 - Beef Top Side Steak, Boneless - This item may be derived from any IMPS rib
or loin item and shall consist of the M. longissimus dorsi and M. multifidus dorsi and may contain
the M. gluteus medius and M. spinalis dorsi. All bones, cartilages, backstrap, heavy
connective tissue and fat overlying the heavy connective tissue on the dorsal edge of the steaks
shall be removed. The boneless rib/loin may be separated by a lengthwise cut into sections to
accommodate the cutting of specified portion size (thickness and/or weight) steaks. Unless
otherwise specified, this item shall be trimmed practically free of surface fat.
Item No. 1167 - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak - The steaks shall be prepared from
any IMPS Tip Item. The Tip may be separated lengthwise into sections to accommodate the
cutting of specified portion size steaks.
Item No. 1167A - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak, Peeled - The steaks shall be
prepared from any IMPS Tip Item. The M. tensor fasciae latae, fat, and "skin" tissue shall not
be present. The Tip may be separated lengthwise into sections to accommodate the cutting of
specified portion size steaks.
Item No. 1167D - Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Steak, Peeled, Special - This item shall
be prepared from any IMPS Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Item. The M. tensor fasciae latae, M. vastus
medialis, M. vastus intermedialis, and M. sartorius shall be removed by cutting through the
seams. Fat, "skin" tissue, and heavy opaque connective tissue shall be removed. The
remaining muscles (M. vastus lateralis and M. rectus femoris) shall be separated by cutting
through the natural seam and made into specified portion size or thickness by slicing the pieces
at a right angle to the grain (muscle fibers).
Item No. 1167E – Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Center Steak (IM) – This item shall
consist of the M. rectus femoris only from any IMPS Round Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Item.
Item No. 1167F – Beef Round, Sirloin Tip (Knuckle), Side Steak (IM) – This item consists of
the M. vastus lateralis from any IMPS Round Sirloin Tip (Knuckle) Item. It is sliced
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perpendicular to the grain.
Item No. 1169 - Beef Round, Top (Inside) Round Steak – The steaks shall be prepared from
any IMPS top (inside) round item. The thick opaque portion of the M. gracilis membrane shall
be removed. The top round may be separated lengthwise into sections to accommodate the
cutting of specified portion size steaks.
Item No. 1169A – Beef Round, Top (Inside) Cap Off, Round Steak – This item shall be
prepared from Item No. 169A. The cap off inside round may be separated lengthwise into
sections to accommodate the cutting of specified portion size steaks.
Item No. 1169C – Beef Round Top (Inside) Round, Front Side Steak – This item shall be
prepared from the M. pectineus from the soft side of the inside round.
Item No. 1170A - Beef Round, Bottom (Gooseneck) Round Steak - The steaks shall be
prepared from Item No. 170A. The bottom round may be separated lengthwise into sections to
accommodate the cutting of specified portion size steaks.
Item No. 1171D – Beef Round, Outside Round Steak (IM) – This item is derived from the M.
biceps femoris (with the side muscle (M. biceps femoris ischiatic head) removed) as described
in IMPS 171D. The steaks shall be made by slicing perpendicular to the grain of the muscles.
This item is sometimes referred to as a “western griller steak”.
Item No. 1171G – Beef Outside Round, Rump Steak (IM) – This item shall consist of the
anterior portion of the M. biceps femoris of IMPS 171B. The M. gluteus medius, M. gluteus
profundis, and M. gluteus accessorius shall be excluded. The rump shall be removed from the
outside round by a cut that is at or immediately anterior to the M. biceps femoris, ischiatic head.
The purchaser may specify the following tail length options for Item Nos. 1173, 1174, 1179,
1179A, 1180, and 1180A. If not specified, the tail length will not exceed 1.0 inch (25 mm) from
the M. longissimus dorsi.
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6 Other
Item No. 1173 - Beef Loin, Porterhouse Steak - The steaks shall be prepared from any IMPS
short loin item. The maximum width of the tenderloin shall be at least 1.25 inches (3.2 cm)
when measured parallel to the length of the back bone.
Item No. 1174 - Beef Loin, T- Bone Steak - The steaks shall be prepared from any IMPS short
loin item. The maximum width of the tenderloin shall be at least ½-inch (13 mm) when
measured parallel to the length of the back bone.
Item No. 1179 - Beef Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Bone-In - The steaks shall be prepared from any
IMPS bone-in strip loin or short loin item. The protruding edge of the chine bone shall be
removed so that no portion of the spinal groove is present.
Item No. 1179A - Beef Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Center-Cut, Bone-In - This item is prepared
from any IMPS bone-in strip loin or short loin item that has the posterior portion of the strip loin
removed at or anterior to the M. gluteus medius. The M. gluteus medius, if present, may
appear only on one side of the steak.
Item No. 1180 - Beef Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Boneless - The steaks shall be prepared from
any IMPS boneless strip loin or short loin item. All bones and cartilages shall be removed.
Item No. 1180A - Beef Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Center-Cut, Boneless -This item is prepared
from any boneless strip loin or short loin item that has the posterior portion of the strip loin
removed at or anterior to the M. gluteus medius. The M. gluteus medius, if present, may
appear only on one side of the steak.
Item No. 1180B - Beef Loin, Strip Loin Steak, Split, Boneless - This item is prepared
from any boneless strip loin that has the tail, and heavy connective tissue overlying the M.
longissimus dorsi muscle, removed, and is then split by a lengthwise cut into two approximate
equal in size sections. This item is sometimes referred to as “strip steak filet” or “club cut”.
Item No. 1184 - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Boneless - The steaks shall be prepared
from Item No. 184. Prior to slicing, the heavy connective tissue closely associated with the
protuberance of the femur shall be removed by a straight cut (faced) so that the appearance of
the M. gluteus medius is oval in shape. The boneless top sirloin butt may be separated into
sections reasonably parallel to the backbone line to accommodate the cutting of specified
portion size steaks. The sections shall be cut into steaks reasonably parallel to the cut surface
of the round end.
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Item No. 1184A - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Semi Center-Cut, Boneless - The
steaks shall be as described in Item No. 1184 except that the M. biceps femoris shall be
removed. The M. longissimus dorsi may or may not be present.
Item No. 1184B - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Center-Cut, Boneless (IM) - The steaks
shall be as described in Item No. 1184 except that all muscles other than the M. gluteus medius
shall be removed.
Item No. 1184D - Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Cap Steak, Boneless (IM) - This item is sometimes
referred to as a "Coulotte Steak.” The steak may be produced from any IMPS sirloin item and
shall consist of the M. biceps femoris. The M. biceps femoris shall be removed from the sirloin
by cutting through the natural seams and made into specified portion size or thickness by slicing
the pieces at a right angle to the grain (muscle fibers).
Item No. 1184F – Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt Steak, Center-Cut, Seamed, Dorsal Side,
Boneless (IM) – This item shall consist of steaks made from the dorsal portion of the M. gluteus
medius as described in Item No. 184F. This cut is sometimes referred to as the ‘baseball cut’.
Item No. 1185A - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Flap Steak (IM) - The steaks shall be
prepared from the flap portion (M. obliquus abdominis internus) of the bottom sirloin butt. The
triangle (M. tensor fasciae latae) and the ball tip (M. rectus femoris and M. vastus lateralis) shall
not be present. The steaks shall be made by cuts which are at approximate right angles to the
grain. All bones, cartilages, and connective tissue shall be removed.
Item No. 1185B - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Ball Tip Steak - The steaks shall be
prepared from the ventral portion (M. rectus femoris and M. vastus lateralis) of the bottom sirloin
butt. The M. tensor fasciae latae and M. obliquus abdominis internus shall not be present.
The steaks shall be made by cuts which are at approximate right angles to the grain. All
bones, cartilages, and outside "skin" tissue shall be removed.
Item No. 1185C - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip Steak (IM) - The steaks shall be
prepared from the triangle portion (M. tensor fasciae latae) of the bottom sirloin butt. The
steaks shall be made by cuts which are at approximate right angles to the grain. All bones,
cartilages, and connective tissue shall be removed.
Item No. 1185D - Beef Loin, Bottom Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip Steak, Defatted (IM) - This item is
as described in Item No. 1185C except that steaks shall be trimmed practically free of fat.
Item No. 1188 – Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Bone-in – This item is derived from a short loin
or Item No. 188 and consists of the consists of M. psoas major and M. psoas minor, attached to
the transverse process of the lumbar vertebra. Steaks shall have a diameter of the M. psoas
major not less than 1.5 inches (3.7 cm) in the longest dimension.
Item No. 1189 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak - The steaks shall be prepared from any IMPS
tenderloin item. However, the narrowest diameter of the cut surface of the M. psoas major
must be at least 1.0 inch (25 mm) (excluding fat). Any fat or lean not firmly attached to the M.
psoas major shall be removed. . Maximum surface fat thickness where present shall be ⅛-inch
(3 mm) unless otherwise specified by the purchaser.
Item No. 1189A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle On, Defatted - The steaks shall
be prepared from any IMPS tenderloin item defatted as described in Item No. 189A. The
narrowest diameter of the cut surface of the M. psoas major must be at least 1.0 inch (25 mm)
(excluding fat).
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Item No. 1189B - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle On, Partially Defatted - The
steaks shall be prepared from any IMPS tenderloin item defatted as described in Item No.
189B. The narrowest diameter of the cut surface of the M. psoas major must be at least 1.0
inch (25 mm) (excluding fat).
Item No. 1190 - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle Off, Defatted - This item is
prepared from Item No. 190. The narrowest diameter of the cut surface of the M. psoas major
must be at least 1.0 inch (25 mm) (excluding fat).
Item No. 1190A - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Side Muscle Off, Skinned - This item is
prepared from Item No. 190A. The narrowest diameter of the cut surface of the M. psoas major
must be at least 1.0 inch (25 mm) (excluding fat).
Item No. 1190B - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Full, Side Muscle Off, Center Cut, Skinned
(IM) - This item is from Item No. 190B and shall consist of the M. psoas major only.
Item No. 1190C - Beef Loin, Tenderloin Tips - Tenderloin tips shall be prepared from any
tenderloin which meets end item requirements. Tips may consist of any portion of the thin end
of the M. psoas major, M. psoas minor or M. iliacus and shall consist of pieces which are no less
than 1.5 square inches (9.7 sq cm) and are no less than ½-inch (13 mm) thick at any point.
9.0 Glossary
Blast Frozen – Products are frozen rapidly at extremely low temperatures (≤ -10oF) in
conjunction with high-velocity air movement around the product.
Block Ready – A cut that is marketed ready for further processing or portioning.
Butterfly – To split cuts and roasts in half, leaving the halves hinged on one edge.
Center Cut – Term used to indicate the interior portion of a cut after removal of outer edges or
ends to create a more desirable, uniform portion.
Chine Bone – A part of the backbone that remains after the carcass is split.
Comminuted – Reduction of meat particle size, using such methods as grinding, dicing and
chopping.
Dorsal to – Toward the upper or top line of the carcass away from the navel.
End Cuts – Cuts made from the ends of primal or sub-primal cuts. Ends often lack the
uniformity of the adjacent cuts.
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Evisceration – The process of removing the internal organs from the carcass during harvest.
Frenched – The process by which the bone is exposed after removing the M. intercostales
interni and/or the lean and fat surrounding it to provide a decorative appearance.
Fresh – Refers to meats that have not been canned, cured, smoked, or cooked. In addition to
the above, the product must never have been frozen.
Frozen – Refers to meats that have been reduced in temperature to below the freezing
temperature of meat (<28oF).
IM – Acronym for Individual Muscle designating that a cut is composed of one muscle only.
IQF – Acronym for Individually Quick Frozen. Refers to cuts that have been individually quick
frozen at extremely low temperatures immediately after processing.
Lateral – Away from the median plane that divides the carcass vertically into right and left sides.
Medial – Towards the median plane that divides the carcass vertically into right and left sides.
Net Weight – Weight of the contents of a container after the weight of the packaging and
packing materials has been deducted.
Primal Cuts – Basic major cuts into which carcasses and sides are separated.
Ventral – Toward the belly of the carcass away from the upper or top line.
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