Sheep carcass classification in Iceland

As specified in the Icelandic Regulation nr. 484/1998, with later amendments, all sheep carcasses are classified by qualified meat classifiers that have attended courses and been trained by the Iceland Food and Veterinary Authority. The classification is regularly checked and supervised by staff members of that institute to ensure uniform classification in the different abattoirs.

Regulation 484/1998 describes the classification of sheep carcasses.

Division according to age and sex

Sheep carcasses are divided into the following classes according to their age and sex:

• a) Class L: Carcasses of ewe-lambs and castrated ram-lambs up to the age of 12 months and the carcasses of ram-lambs slaughtered before November 1st .
• b) Class V: Carcasses of ewes and wethers, 12-18 months old.
• c) Class VH: Carcasses of rams, 12-18 months old, slaughtered before October 11th.
• d) Class F: Carcasses of ewes and wethers over 18 months old
• e) Class H: Carcasses of rams over 18 months old, carcasses of rams 12-18 months old, slaughtered after October 10th and carcasses of ram-lambs slaughtered after October 31st.

Conformation classes

Fat classes