Köttsorternas

Köttsorternas is a Swedish term used to denote the system of categorizing meat for sale and regulation. The phrase translates roughly to "the meat sorts" and refers to organizing meat into defined categories by species, cut, processing state, and origin. It is not a single universal standard, but a general concept applied across Nordic food commerce and authorities to facilitate communication, labeling, and compliance.

Classification typically follows species (nötkött/beef, griskött/pork, fårkött/lamb, fågel/poultry, vilt/game). Within each species, sorts identify the cut (for example, steaks, roasts, or ground meat), the processing state (raw, minced, or prepared), and quality attributes such as fat content or marbling, as well as production attributes like origin and farming method.

Regulatory and practical usage: In retail and public procurement, Köttsorternas informs product labeling, price setting, and traceability. Authorities in the European Union and Sweden require accurate descriptions of species and origin on packaging; additional voluntary schemes may disclose breed, feed, organic status, or farm of origin.

The concept is primarily practical, aimed at clear communication and consumer protection, and varies by country and market. It reflects ongoing shifts toward transparency in meat supply chains and helps consumers compare products and assess suitability for different recipes.