What distinguishes Canadian beef from other global suppliers? Topping the list is our unique grading system that factors in many important quality criteria for domestic and global customers.
Our grading system screens for quality characteristics beyond those in other systems, resulting in a more consistent product. For example, only carcasses under 30 months of age with bright red meat colour can qualify for the Canadian "A" grades. Contrast that with the U.S. grading system where "dark cutters" — dark meat colour resulting from pre-slaughter stress— are accepted in Choice, Select and Standard grades.
As well, Canada's regulatory and safety standards are among the best in the world. Our internationally respected food safety system begins at the grass roots with on-farm HACCP programs, a cattle feed safety system and animal disease surveillance system both monitored by the CFIA. Canada is also the first country in North America to establish a National Cattle Identification System which enhances animal health control through its trace-back capabilities.
| Canada*** | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | Marbling* | Maturity** | Meat Colour | Fat Colour |
| Prime | Slightly abundant | 30 months or younger | Bright red only | No yellow fat permitted |
| AAA | Small | 30 months or younger | Bright red only | No yellow fat permitted |
| AA | Slight | 30 months or younger | Bright red only | No yellow fat permitted |
| A | Trace | 30 months or younger | Bright red only | No yellow fat permitted |
| United States*** | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | Marbling* | Maturity** | Meat Colour | Fat Colour |
| Prime | Slightly abundant | Over 30 months permitted | Light red | Yellow fat permitted |
| Choice | Small | Over 30 months permitted | Dark cutters permitted | Yellow fat permitted |
| Select | Slight | Only maturity class A | Dark cutters permitted | Yellow fat permitted |
| Standard | Practically devoid | Over 30 months permitted | Dark cutters permitted | Yellow fat permitted |
The unparalleled taste and tenderness of Heritage Angus Beef is a result of exceptional genetics, meticulous care and feeding, finishing on barley grain and silage, and the aging process. Because we pay careful attention to the animal's health and diet, Heritage Angus Beef consistently grade AA, with the majority grading AAA.
All Heritage Angus Beef products are Halal certified. Heritage Angus Beef is subject to the strict compliance, terms and conditions stated in the agreement with the Islamic Society of North America. For more information please visit www.isnahalal.ca.
* Minimum marbling permitted for quality grade class
** Maturity is based on approximate ages determined by physiological criteria. Only youthful carcasses from cattle verified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to 30 months of age or younger by dentition meet the export requirements for Canada Prime, AAA, AA and A.
*** Standards as of 2003