Standardization News

The term "tender" is often used by the animal agriculture and meat industries to describe finished meat products that impart a more enjoyable eating experience. It is an attribute that is sought after by consumers and with appropriate marketing strategies can command a premium in the marketplace. However, can a consumer know for certain what "tender" means? A new ASTM International standard provides guidance for the use of the word "tender" in the description of products for the meat supply chain.

F2925, Specification for Tenderness Marketing Claims Associated with Meat Cuts Derived from Beef, was developed by Subcommittee F10.30 on User Requirements, part of ASTM International Committee F10 on Livestock, Meat and Poultry Evaluation Systems.

"Individuals and companies often highlight production practices in advertisements and promotions to distinguish their products in the marketplace," says Martin O'Connor, director, standardization division, livestock and seed program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

According to O'Connor, an F10 member, the self-proclamation of production and market practices has merit but complementing these claims with third party certification or verification activities is where the value of such claims is truly vetted.

"The livestock and meat supply chain and ultimately consumers will benefit from common trade language of finished goods," says O'Connor. "Livestock and meat marketing claim standards such as F2925 facilitate communication by enhancing the understanding of a particular claim among producers, processors and consumers."

O'Connor says that all interested parties are welcome to join the committee in its standards developing activities.

"Beyond the ‘tender' marketing claim, we will be exploring other standards that will promote common language to serve the industry," says O'Connor. "We are interested in hearing suggestions for other marketing claim standards. The more insight and research that we compile initially will aid our efforts in ensuring that published marketing claim standards are effective when implemented in the marketplace."

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585).

CONTACT Technical Information: Martin E. O'Connor, U.S. Department of Agriculture • Washington, D.C. • Phone: 202-720-7046 O ASTM Staff: Kelly Paul • Phone: 610-832-9745 O Upcoming Meeting: April 18-19 • April Committee Week • Phoenix, Ariz.