Grading and Inspection Programs

Commodity inspection and grading is provided through a cooperative agreement between the US Department of Agriculture and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

USDA Grading, Certification, and Verification Home

Fruit, vegetable, and peanut grading and inspection services are provided at shipping point, receiving locations, and terminal markets to specify grade, count, weight, and other factors important in quality determination. Official certificates of grade are issued by inspectors to verify grade factors. 

Food Safety Verification Program

Good Agriculture Practices - Good Handling Practices Systems Program Brochure (PDF version)

Good Agriculture Practices - Good Handling Practices Systems Audit Checklist (PDF version)

Good Agriculture Practices - Good Handling Practices Systems Audit Scoresheet (PDF version)

GAP Certified Companies in SC

Poultry and egg grading services are provided for shell eggs, egg products, poultry, rabbits, school lunch programs, and meals ready to eat (M.R.E.) at packing and processing facilities throughout the state to insure that products meet grade and quality standards. Products are also inspected and certified at export warehouses for international shipments. 

Poultry Grading

Egg Grading

American Egg Board

National Egg Regulatory Officials

SCDA State Egg Law

The South Carolina Grain Grading and Inspection Service works with producers, brokers, receivers, food processors, export marketers, and other related avenues of grain movement to inspect and certify the quality and cleanliness of grain produced or shipped into South Carolina as this grain moves through normal marketing channels.