Those vague claims of "tenderness" may soon have to be backed up with hard facts, depending on the outcome of research being conducted by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.

The agency is homing in on the feasibility of setting objective standards of tenderness, AMS Livestock and Meat Marketing Specialist Kerry Smith told Meatingplace. Four subcommittees have been working on key elements of the issue since March 2007, and are due to present and discuss their findings in an open forum this Sunday at the American Meat Science Association's Reciprocal Meat Conference in Gainesville, Fla.

"We'll discuss what we've found so far, try to come to some conclusions … [and] find a direction to head in. Then we'll break out into groups to work on the specific charges of the committees," Smith said.

The process has included academics from several universities, representatives from industry, other government organizations, trade groups and some retail professionals.

By July, AMS expects to have an updated Web site available for interested parties to follow the progress of this initiative, at www.ams.usda.gov/sat (click on "marketing claims standards" on the right-hand side).

By Lisa M. Keefe on 6/19/2008 for Meatingplace.com