Under the authority of the Agricultural Marketing Act, NOAA Seafood Inspection Program (SIP) offers two quality insignia, the US Grade A Shield and the Processed Under Federal Inspection (PUFI) Mark, as well as the use of associated statements attesting to finished product quality. Eligibility requirements for using these marks are outlined in the NMFS Fishery Products Inspection Manual (Seafood Inspection Manual), Part 4, Chapter 10, Eligibility Requirements for the Use of NOAA SIP Official Insignia (Official Insignia). The manual can be found online here.
The NOAA SIP recognizes that some clients have requested the use of statements such as “Met Grade A Attributes” through lot inspection services only. However, the Grade A Shield, Processed Under Federal Inspection Mark, and associated statements may not be used for fish and fishery products submitted only for lot inspection. Products submitted for lot inspection do not meet the eligibility criteria as described in the manual.
After consulting the manual, please contact your supervisor or the servicing Regional Inspection Office if you have further questions.