If a processed bird is missing a part, what grade does that meat receive?

When assessing the grade of processed poultry, the standard grading system evaluates various quality factors, including the absence of parts. A processed bird missing a part typically falls under U.S. Grade C because this grade allows for minor defects or imperfections, including the loss of a part, while still being deemed fit for consumption. U.S. Grade C poultry is considered acceptable for further processing or food products, but it does not meet the higher standards set for Grade A or Grade B, which have stricter criteria regarding the appearance, completeness, and overall condition of the meat.

In contrast, U.S. Grade A represents birds of the highest quality without any missing parts, and U.S. Grade B allows for slight defects but still requires the bird to be reasonably intact. U.S. Grade D is reserved for birds that are unacceptable for processing due to significant defects, which makes it less relevant in this context. Thus, the categorization into U.S. Grade C aligns with the requirement that, although there is a defect of a missing part, the bird still meets a minimum standard for processing.