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IMPS meat refers to the US meat industry has formed a standard meat import management and processing system (IMPS). The purpose of this system is to ensure uniformity and consistency in processing meat imports, which makes it easy for different stakeholders in the food supply chain to understand it.
There are a variety of IMPS meat products that buyers should be aware of when making a purchase. Here are some of the most common ones:
Meat Products
The following animals are part of the IMPS meat standards for classification and specification:
Red meat products, including cattle, sheep, and goats, are organized with designations that are easy to understand. Examples include beef steaks and lamb chops. Poultry products are classified to include chicken, turkey, and duck parts like IMPS chicken breast. Also, below one will get a game, which comprises exotic meats such as bison or elk. These have specific IMPS classifications because they are not very common meats. For example, bison steak.
Meat Cut Identification
Every meat product has been given an identifying number and description in the IMPS. This is provided in the official IMPS cut manuals.
Here are some examples:
- 111 Beef Rib Roast:
An example of a meat cut from the rib section of cattle. The cut can also be described as prime rib and is a popular cut for certain occasions.
- 124A Beef Short Ribs:
They are rectangle-shaped bone cuts that have a lot of meat. They are found in the rib area underneath the back of the cattle and are quite popular in barbecuing and slow cooking.
- 162 Lamb Leg Roasts:
Lamb meat that is taken from the hind leg of the lamb. It is frequently roasted whole for family gatherings or special occasions.
- 174A Chicken Split (With Skin):
A chicken cut that has been split down the middle. It includes the breast and thighs. Often used in grilling.
Processing Techniques
The IMPS provides a comprehensive overview of the various meat Processing Techniques that can be used. Whole meat, for example, is an animal or part of an animal that has not been altered or changed much from its natural state. Meat produced in this way is essentially whole muscle cuts like roasts and chops.
Intermediate meat is meat that has been processed lightly. It may be cubed, cut into strips, or sliced. Final meat has been processed completely and includes ground meat products and meats cured with additives like nitrates.
Different meat types demand unique handling techniques. For example, seafood meat products require cold chains and processing facilities near the sea, whereas beef meat products require specialized veterinary care and feed regimens for cattle.
The primary market for meat imports is businesses in the food industry, including importers, wholesalers, distributors, supermarkets, restaurants, and food manufacturers. These businesses require a constant supply of imported meat products to meet their customers' demands for high-quality protein sources.
Importers and wholesalers are looking for new suppliers of imported meat products to expand their product offerings and stay competitive in the market. They need to find reliable suppliers who can provide them with a consistent supply of imported meat that meets their customers' quality standards.
Supermarkets are looking for a variety of imported meat products to meet their customers' demands for different types of meat, including exotic meats that are not locally available. They need to source imported meat products that meet their supermarket chain's quality and safety standards.
Restaurants, including fine dining and ethnic cuisine establishments, are looking for high-quality imported meat products to use in their menu offerings. They want to provide their customers with unique and flavorful meats that are not locally available.
Food manufacturers, including those who produce processed meat products such as sausages, burgers, and canned meat, require imported meat products as raw materials for their production processes. They need to source imported meat products that meet their production requirements and quality standards.
Source of protein:
The source of protein will largely depend on the customers who are the end consumers of the meat replacement products. Some consumers prefer chicken-flavored IMPs, while others prefer beef-flavored ones. It is important to analyze the target market and settle on a protein source that aligns well with the consumer's demands.
Nutritional requirements:
IMPs are designed to offer specific nutritional benefits. Some are high in protein but low in other nutrients. When choosing IMPs for resale, customers should consider the nutritional profile and target group. For example, industrial IMPs meant for animal consumption should be formulated to meet specific animal nutritional needs. Conversely, IMPs meant for human consumption should be formulated to meet human nutritional needs.
Texture and flavor:
Different brands of IMPs will offer distinct flavors and textures. Businesses should sample different products before making an order. Choose an IMP that will satisfy the end consumer's taste preferences. Also, consider IMPs that can be easily flavored to enable variety.
Production methods:
IMPs are produced using different methods. Some will involve the use of fermentation, while others will use knitting and texturization methods. Choose IMPs that will align well with the business model. For instance, businesses that are planning to further process the IMPs for resale might want to choose IMPs that were manufactured using fermentation, which will further produce important functional properties.
Cost and scalability:
The cost of IMPs will depend on the manufacturing method and the source of the protein. When choosing IMPs for order, it is important to evaluate the cost to be incurred and the potential of scaling up production in the future. For start-up businesses, small-scale orders will be ideal. Those looking for large-scale orders should negotiate for better pricing.
Supplier’s reputation:
Choose suppliers who are well-reviewed and have a solid reputation in the market. A good supplier will have up-to-date manufacturing processes and meet all regulatory guidelines for manufacturing IMPs. A good supplier will also offer systematic product delivery with excellent customer support.
Q1: How does the IMPS meat system work?
A1: The IMPS meat numbering system identifies meat cuts. When cattle or pigs are slaughtered, they are numbered according to the IMPS. Each cut gets its number, so everyone talks about the same piece of meat. This numbering helps people trade and sell meat more easily.
Q2: Why is it important to have a meat cut numbering system like IMPS?
A2: The IMPS meat numbering system is significant because it provides a consistent way to identify meat cuts. This is important for many reasons, including but not limited to facilitating trade, improving communication among industry professionals, ensuring accurate labeling of meat products for consumers, and helping restaurants and grocery stores know exactly what they're buying.
Q3: Are all IMPS cuts labeled the same as on menus?
A3: No, sometimes the names are different. When the meat is cut for restaurants and hotels, they might use fancy names for the meat. But when it's labeled for IMPS, it will have the standard name.
Q4: Can someone find out where a particular piece of meat came from?
A4: Yes, the system also allows tracking. If people look closely at their steaks or roasts, they might see some numbers on the label. Those numbers can tell them where that animal was raised and who processed it into that particular cut of meat.