U.S. cattle producers are proud of the product they raise and they respect the consumer’s right to choose meat that is born, raised and processed in this country. Those consumers and food producers will finally see mandatory country of origin labeling of the food they buy at the grocery store on September 30, 2008.
Six years after the law was originally passed, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will finally implement country-of-origin labeling of beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, and peanuts.
Action
USDA has issued “final interim rules” for country-of-origin labeling. The public has the opportunity to comment on these rules until September 30, 2008. USDA will consider these comments over the next six months and make final rules to implement labeling.
Background
The significance of country-of-origin labeling has increased since the discovery of mad cow disease in Canada. Labeling would enable consumers to choose whether or not to buy cattle of Canadian origin, if or when the U.S.-Canadian border reopens.
Labeling provides comprehensive standards to ensure all food is labeled consistently, in a way that is easy for the consumer to identify.
U.S. livestock producers want Country-of-Origin Labeling that can differentiate U.S. products for both U.S. and foreign consumers.
Resources
Public Citizen poll shows consumers overwhelmingly support Country-of-Origin Labeling
Blueprint for Maximizing the Benefits of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling While Minimizing Costs to Producers and Unnecessary Government and Industry Regulation, by R-CALF
General Accounting Office says USDA exaggerated labeling costs
University of Florida study says consumers benefit from labeling
Eating Blind-Why Congress and the Meat Industry Don’t Want You to Know Where Your Food Comes From, a commentary by Public Citizen
For more information:
Archives
WORC comments on recordkeeping requirements of mandatory labeling to the Agricultural Marketing Service
WORC comments on guidelines for interim voluntary Country-of-Origin Labeling to the Agricultural Marketing Service
WORC joins with 35 groups to comment on guidelines for interim voluntary Country-of-Origin Labeling
Analysis by Public Citizen shows how millions of dollars spent in lobbying and elections has helped thwart mandatory labeling law
Tabled Labels: Consumers Eat Blind While Congress Feasts on Campaign Cash, study by Public Citizen
Coalition letter urges President Bush to oppose delays of Country-of-Origin Labeling
135 groups ask Congress to fully fund implementation of labeling
USDA’s interim voluntary Country-of Origin Labeling guidelines for beef, pork, fish, and fruits and vegetables
Transcript of public speakers at USDA listening session in Billings, Montana
Senators Rap USDA Secretary Veneman for Undermining Country of Origin Food Labeling
Lee Pitts’ article on packer-funded efforts to confuse the issue with biased studies
Separating Fiction from Truth: How the Voluntary COOL Bill Will Impact the U.S. Cattle Industry, by R-CALF
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