Every year the DLG tests several thousand different ham and sausage products. The testers are trained experts from the meat craft trades, the meat product industry, academia, and the inspection and examining authorities. The heart of the International Quality Test is the sensory test. This has been supplemented since 2001 by comprehensive laboratory diagnostics to analyse the raw materials. These laboratory analyses examine, for example, the bone component and the labelling particulars concerning the animal species used.

A strict checking and control system monitors over adherence to the guidelines even after the tests. In the event of an infringement the award is withdrawn and the company is excluded from participating in further competitions.

Depending on the number of scores achieved, the ham and sausages are awarded DLG Medals in Bronze, Silver or Gold.