Meat Grader
しょくにくかくつけいん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Research and Technical Occupations
- Middle : Manufacturing Engineers
- Minor : Other Manufacturing Engineers
Summary
A professional who grades slaughtered livestock meat according to established standards, providing quality assurance and criteria for distribution prices.
Description
Meat graders evaluate the quality of beef, pork, and sheep meat at slaughterhouses or meat processing plants based on grade and yield classifications. They observe muscle fiber fineness, fat distribution, color, luster, etc., and assign grades according to meat grading standards. They check for abnormalities or foreign matter, make records and reports, contributing to safe and secure meat distribution. The grading results serve as standards for wholesale and retail prices, playing an important role in quality assurance for consumers.
Future Outlook
While stable demand is expected due to increasing interest in food safety and quality, there is a possibility of advancements in automation and AI-based image analysis technologies.
Personality Traits
Attentive / Calm and Composed / Strong Sense of Responsibility
Work Style
Factory Work / Indoor Standing Work / Many Dispatch and Contract Employees / Shift Work
Career Path
Assistant Chief Grader → Chief Grader → Grading Technical Instructor → Quality Control Position → Production Management
Required Skills
Hygiene Management Knowledge / Meat Quality Grading Standards / Observation Skills / Record Keeping
Recommended Skills
Livestock Physiology / Sanitation Inspection Techniques / Statistical Analysis
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because it is necessary to accurately judge subtle quality differences. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Standing work is common, requiring physical stamina. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity is not particularly needed as it follows established standards. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Advanced quantitative analysis is not required. |
Related Qualifications
- Completion of Meat Grading Training
Related Jobs
- Livestock Hygiene Inspector
- Meat Processing Technician
- Quality Control Officer