The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) and the American Grassfed Association (AGA) petitioned the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on June 12, 2018, to stop allowing imported meat to carry a “Product of U.S.A.” label just because it was processed in a USDA-inspected plant.
The policy they challenged
The FSIS Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book allowed “Product of U.S.A.” if a product was processed in the USA. The petition, numbered 18-05, asked FSIS to allow the claim only when “significant ingredients having a bearing on consumer preference, such as meat, vegetables, fruits, dairy products,” are of domestic origin, excluding minor ingredients like spices and flavorings.
Why ranchers pushed
The groups said the policy disguised the true origin of meat and hurt USA farmers, especially grassfed beef producers. They cited grassfed beef sales growing from $17 million in 2012 to $272 million in 2016. “With the Congressional repeal of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for beef and pork products, it is imperative that when a company chooses to label its meat products that origin statement be truthful,” said OCM Executive Director Joe Maxwell.
FSIS noted the petition in its June 22, 2018 Constituent Update. In March 2020 it denied the petition but said it would start rulemaking on USA-origin meat labels; see our 2020 coverage.
FAQ
Who filed the petition?
The Organization for Competitive Markets and the American Grassfed Association, on June 12, 2018.
What did it ask for?
That Product of USA be allowed only when significant ingredients such as meat are of domestic origin.
What happened to it?
FSIS denied it in March 2020 and said it would pursue rulemaking instead.
Source & credit
Source: American Grassfed Association: “Petition Filed to End USDA Practice of Allowing Foreign Meat to be Labeled ‘Product of U.S.A.’”, June 12, 2018.
Also: FSIS: Petition 18-05; The National Law Review: “Groups Petition FSIS to Change ‘Product of the USA’ Policy”.