Country-of-Origin Labeling Law Informs Consumers of Food Processing Origin(s)

Starting September 30, 2008 new mandatory Federal law Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) informs consumers as to the origin of many foods purchased. Food manufacturers and grocery stores will have to provide new labeling information on beef, pork, chicken and lamb to inform the public where the by -products of animals raised in the United States or another country. Also, the new law encompasses perishable items including fruits, vegetables and variety of nuts (peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts and ginseng 5). Consumers may discover on some labeling of food products multiple list of countries. "That's especially true of grounded beef, since some meat processors combine cuts from a number of countries to make ground meat and hamburger patties." 1

A multiple list of countries on a label does not provide information regarding how much each country contributed or processed the by- product. The Country-of-Origin labeling does exclude products sold in fish markets, butcher shops and food sold in restaurants.2 Also, including in the exemption of COOL food purchased in cafeterias, lounges, lunchrooms or other food service establishments. Ingredients processed in food items or produced or packaged prior to September 30, 2008 are exempt from the new labeling law. 6

According to food safety groups the Department of Agriculture exempts Country-of-Origin Labeling, from foods defined as "processed": "Such as mixed frozen vegetables, which exempts them from the new law (or bag of peas mixed with carrots)" 1

In preparation of the new labeling law Iowa animal producers and calves purchased for feedlots are required to submit documentation to comply with mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL). The new labeling law will be printed as "product of the United States and Country X" (if the feeder animal was imported from either Mexico or Canada and fed in the United States before going to slaughter) or "product of Country X and the United States" (Once a cattle for beef for consumption is imported would be immediately slaughtered upon arriving in the United States). Cowherd owners will need to develop system of record keeping to ensure each one of their cattle's recorded as being born and raised in the United States, but the United States Department of Agriculture does not specify any particular record keeping method. 3

Country of Origin Labeling is not likely to increase the cost of foods purchased by consumers. Country labels on seafood seem to have minimal impact on the price. Jean Halloran director of Consumers Union (CU) food policy initiatives said: "We would be surprised if the new labels on meat and fresh produce caused noticeable changes in price in the supermarket." 2

Farmers and safety advocates of Country-of-Origin Labeling applaud the new mandatory labeling by helping consumers recognize food products that originated from the United States, and especially recognizing labels of foods which are reported to have disease outbreaks from specific countries or locations without falsely including those foods from countries or locations which are safe for consumption and thus not jeopardize or cause financial crisis for safe food producers. 2 Dave Petty cattle producer and past president of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association said regarding Country-of-Origin Labeling: "I think it's good for our industry. We need to be able to step up and take responsibility for what we produce. " 5

However, many meat industry advocates concerned the new labeling law will cause consumers not to purchase labeled imported hamburger or beef cuts. Also, according to Lloyd Day, head of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Agricultural Marketing Service estimated the new labeling law will cost the food industry $2.5 billion in the first year. 1 Also, estimated by the United Sates Department of Agriculture annual $499 million to maintain Country-of-Origin Labeling. 2

In 2005, when the Country-of-Origin Labeling was initiated included only fish and seafood. The labeling law was expanded to include many other food products by 2008 (The law enacted as part of the 2008 Farm Bill 4), but the processes had been complicated during the previous six years by food companies and USDA advocates convincing Congress against the enactment of the Country-of-Origin Labeling. The convincing argument in favor of the new mandatory labeling law was unfortunately due to the recent food-borne illness outbreaks, safety concerns of foods imported to the United States and past year of the largest meat recalls in history. 1 During the first six months after the start of Country-of-Origin Labeling law the United States Department of Agriculture plans to provide education and outreach activities to inform the public of the new mandatory labeling law. "Under the law, suppliers and retailers found in violation of COOL can be fined up to $1,000 per violation." 6

References:

1.) New law requires meat labels to list country of origin - http://www.ajc.com/services/content/health/stories/2008/09/16/New_Meat_Labels.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=9

2.) Moo: Country-of-Origin labels for U.S. foods - http://www.sciam.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=moo-country-of-origin-labels-for-us-2008-09-12

3.) Country-of-Origin Labeling - http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/content/COOL.htm

4.) Tester wants COOL changes - http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080911/BUSINESS/809110306

5.) Ag labeling law gains supporters - http://www.iowafarmer.com/articles/2008/09/14/top_stories/cool1.txt

6.) Consumers, farmers expected to give COOL law a warm reception - http://www.chelseastandard.com/stories/082108/loc_20080821012.shtml