A recent article in The Washington Post reported about the supermarket chain Giant that decided to label all its raw meat as “USDA grade” instead of indicating the quality (Prime/Choice/Select). Numerous customers were disappointed, complaints raised. In fact the description “USDA grade” isn’t false - it applies to almost all meat approved for sale in the United States. The USDA must, by law, inspect all meat for health safety reasons. The quality grading of the meat is also done by the USDA, however it is optional. Still the label statement “USDA grade” is misleading since it does not inform consumers about the quality of their purchased meat.
Does this story sound familiar?
Have you ever seen, purchased or used Fetal Bovine Serum “USDA grade”? What is a typical “USDA grade” serum? In common practice this is the second name for FBS of Mexican or Canadian origin – and describes a product that has passed USDA import inspection and safety testing. However countries like Chile, Panama or Costa Rica are also allowed to import Fetal Bovine Serum into the United States. Australia and New Zealand too. So all of this is potentially “USDA grade”. No limitations how to name it.
Does the “USDA grade” label inform the user sufficiently about origin or quality? Surely not. The power of habit though makes customers ask for “USDA grade” serum and prefer it to clearly declared FBS of Mexican or Canadian origin. Professional associations have made recommendations in regards to the statements which should appear on a serum label. But so far these are only recommendations covering some minimum labeling information and no legal requirements.
There is an ongoing discussion about the main purpose of a label. While it is there to inform the customer it is also one of the most powerful marketing tools. Seems like marketing has the louder voice and the greater influence on label design. Additionally, certain terms have become so common that replacing them by more accurate information leads to disruption in the price scale existing in the users’ perception. The phenomenon that less information makes human choices and ranking easier applies here as well.
Still serum is used for scientific work, in research and manufacturing of biologics. These are areas where information is important and decisions must be made based on facts. Sticking to the old terms, for the sake of good old habits, is not the best idea. It makes no sense to wait for the day when legal requirements determine what a serum label must report. Better learn dealing with more complex but correct information instead of trying to speed-guess what’s behind the “USDA grade” statement.
Careful evaluation of facts is important in order to understand better serum as a product and the differences in its price and quality. And if there are no sufficient time or resources in your company to do this – talk to an expert. We are here to help.
