What is the purpose of grading in food safety?

The purpose of grading in food safety primarily revolves around assessing the quality of the product. Grading involves evaluating various attributes of food items, such as their size, shape, color, texture, and other quality factors, to categorize them into different grades. This categorization helps consumers and businesses understand the quality they can expect from a product, facilitating informed purchasing decisions.

Graded products often meet specific standards set by regulatory bodies or industry guidelines, which indicates that they have been evaluated for safety and quality. This not only provides assurance to consumers about the product they are purchasing but also helps producers and retailers compete in the market by offering varied options based on quality levels. Grading thus plays a critical role in maintaining food safety and quality by ensuring that only products that meet these standards are available to consumers.