USDA calls for stricter country of origin labeling
In an effort expected to close gaping loopholes in the country of origin labeling (COOL) rule, the United States Department of Agriculture has called upon industry to follow stricter standards for labeling some meat and processed foods. The new changes, which Consumers Union helped advocate for, should make it easier for consumers to find out what countries some meat products and processed foods come from.
Currently under COOL, most chain grocery stores are now required to inform consumers about the nationality of several foods, including beef, veal, lamb, pork, chicken, and fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. However, loopholes in the COOL rule have made it difficult for consumers to determine the origin of some meat products and several processed foods that are considered exempt from the regulation.
The USDA’s recent decision to help close some of those loopholes was spelled out in a letter to industry (PDF) from the Secretary of Agriculture on February 20, 2009. While voluntary, the letter notes that industry compliance with the agency’s recommendations will be closely reviewed, and further action will be taken if necessary.
Here are some of the changes expected to take place:
• Until now, meat labels did not have to disclose which specific country an animal was born, raised, and slaughtered in. The USDA’s recommendations call for processors to label meat with the specific country each production step took place in (e.g. animal was born and raised in country X and slaughtered in country Y).
• Processed food that was cured, smoked, broiled, grilled, or steamed has been exempt from COOL. Examples would be smoked salmon, cured bacon, or steamed green beans. The new recommendations call for those products to bear labels showing what country the product originated from.
Despite this progress, there are still COOL exemptions that concern Consumers Union. For example, meat, poultry, and fish sold in small markets don’t have to be labeled, nor do mixtures, such as frozen vegetables or trail mix.
For more information, see the U.S. Agriculture Department's Web site for frequently asked questions (PDF) about COOL.
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