Final answer:
Meat grading is a voluntary service, not mandatory, where the quality of meat is assessed by factors like marbling and age. It is overseen by the USDA and helps in marketing the meat by confirming its quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The grading of meat is not a mandatory service but a voluntary one that is requested and paid for by meat processors and producers. In the United States, meat grading is overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and it provides a reliable means of assessing the quality and value of the meat that consumers purchase. Although it is not mandatory, it is a widely utilized service as it can help processors and producers market their product effectively by confirming its quality through an objective third-party. The meat is graded based on various factors, including marbling, age, color, and texture, which are indicative of its tenderness, juiciness, and flavor.