Country of Origin Labeling

Both consumers and food producers have sent a clear message to Congress that they want food labeled by country of origin. The 2002 Farm Bill required mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling of beef, lamb, pork, fish, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, and peanuts by September 2004. A label stating the food’s country of origin would be placed on foods sold in grocery stores. To date, only seafood and shellfish bear a label.

Using backdoor maneuvers in Congress, meatpackers and supermarkets have twice delayed implementation of mandatory labeling of meat. They have also tried to replace mandatory labeling with a voluntary program.

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.

Producers call for labeling of meat in response to latest mad cow problems in Canada

WORC, member groups, and over 200 groups urge Senate and House to implement mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling.

• Read update on latest Congressional action delaying labeling

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.

• WORC Calls for Labeling Beef Before Reopening Canadian Border to Cattle Imports

Mandatory labeling would provide comprehensive standards to ensure all food is labeled consistently, in a way that is easy for the consumer to identify.

Voluntary labeling programs do not work. A voluntary program does not guarantee consistent, universal labeling information. These programs are already available and do not meet the needs of U.S. consumers. Moreover, corporate agri-businesses that do not want mandatory labeling are unlikely to use voluntary labeling.

U.S. livestock producers want Country-of-Origin Labeling that can differentiate U.S. products for both U.S. and foreign consumers.

National Animal Identification System

WORC opposes the National Animal Identification System. It’s unnecessary because of mandatory labeling.

Read WORC’s comments on National Animal Identification System to USDA.

Learn more about WORC’s position on National Animal Identification proposals.

Additional background material on labeling

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

Resources

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

Public Citizen poll shows consumers overwhelmingly support Country-of-Origin Labeling

Coalition letter urges President Bush to oppose delays of Country-of-Origin Labeling

135 groups ask Congress to fully fund implementation of 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

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

• Americans for Labeling
• R-CALF USA
• National Farmers Union