Is poultry inspection and grading mandatory?

Here's a breakdown:

* Inspection: This is required by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). All poultry sold in the United States must be inspected for wholesomeness (meaning it's safe to eat) before it can be sold. This includes checking for things like disease, contamination, and proper handling.

* Grading: This is voluntary. The USDA offers grading services to poultry processors, but it's not required by law. Grading helps to ensure that poultry meets certain quality standards, such as size, shape, and appearance. This is often indicated by a "Grade A," "Grade B," or "Grade C" stamp on the packaging.

Important Note: While grading is voluntary, many retailers and consumers prefer to purchase graded poultry as it offers assurance of quality.