This type of grading is most helpful as 

 an aid to a plant's quality control pro- 

 gram. However, it is not recommended 

 for negotiating sales because the certifi- 

 cate shows only the grade of the sub- 

 mitted sample — no reference is made to 

 the lot from which the sample was drawn. 



No official grade names may be used on 

 products graded under this program. 



Service for Volume Food Buyers 



In addition to providing quality, quantity, 

 and condition certification, USDA will 

 also help volume buyers translate their 

 needs into exact purchase specifications. 

 The specifications can be based on offi- 

 cial USDA grade standards as well as a 

 buyer's own specific requirements. 

 Buyers can use these specifications for 

 letting contracts and calling for bids 

 from suppliers. In the contract with sup- 

 pliers, buyers can specify that all pur- 

 chases must be certified by USDA. 



Under the lot inspection program, 

 USDA graders check samples to 

 determine the quality and condi- 

 tion of a product. 7 



