Meat and farm groups split in their comments on the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed Made in USA Labeling Rule. The comment period closed on September 14, 2020, Feedstuffs reported the next day.
Farm Progress reported that the FTC received 770 comments on the proposal.
Where the groups stood
- National Farmers Union urged the FTC to finalize and strictly enforce the rule. It asked the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to then require that all or virtually all of a meat product be made and sourced in the USA before it can carry a USA-origin label.
- The North American Meat Institute and the Meat Importers Council of America called comments urging FTC action on beef “misplaced.” They said FSIS has primary authority over meat and poultry labels.
- The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said a government label would do little to set its members’ beef apart. It argued for stronger voluntary, source-verified labels.
Under current USDA policy, beef from animals born and raised abroad but processed in the USA can be labeled “Product of the USA.”
“We urge FTC to finalize and enforce this rule.”
Rob Larew, president, National Farmers Union
FAQ
When did comments close?
September 14, 2020.
How many comments were filed?
770, according to Farm Progress.
What do meatpackers want?
For the FTC to acknowledge that FSIS has primary authority over meat labels.
Source & credit
Source: Feedstuffs, September 15, 2020: “FTC receives mixed comments on meat labeling”.
Also: Farm Progress, September 16, 2020: “NFU urges stronger meat labeling standards”.