USDA meat grading . . . what happened to it?

Factual Questions
1

It used to be that beef was graded consistently in every grocery store. They all followed the USDA grading system: (1) prime; (2) choice; (3) select; and (4) good. Although few stores carried “prime” beef, most carried “choice,” the next best grade.

Nowadays, it seems like grocery stores are trying to conceal what USDA grade they sell. Either the meat unidentified as to grade, or it carries some fictional grading system invented by the grocery store chain (“top-notch” grade; “yum-yum” grade; “second to none” grade [I’m making them up!]). Additionally, I find the quality of grocery store beef poorer than it used to be.

I’m suspicious. I thought that the USDA grading system was invented to prevent just such chicanery. Why have things changed? Just what are they selling us? Zoo-grade meat?

2

::: genuine curiosity :::

Where are you doing your grocery shopping? AFAIK, although I will admit I haven’t paid much attention to it lately, Kroger, Schnuck’s, Wal-Mart, and Eagle all still have the USDA ratings on their meat.