Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA will review the “Product of USA” label used on meat regulated by its Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The announcement came as the Federal Trade Commission voted to strengthen enforcement of Made in USA labels on July 1, 2021.
“After considering the many comments received by the FTC and USDA on this issue, we are initiating a top-to-bottom review of the ‘Product of USA’ label that will, among other things, help us to determine what that label means to consumers.”
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
Why the label is disputed
Under current rules, beef from cattle raised in other countries, especially Canada and Mexico, can be labeled a product of the USA if it is processed in the USA. Mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef was repealed after a World Trade Organization panel ruled against it.
Key details
- Vilsack said the review will support a rulemaking listed in the administration’s Spring Regulatory Agenda.
- He said USDA will gather data and comments, including from trading partners.
- The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, which have often disagreed on labeling, both praised the review.
- NCBA had recently petitioned FSIS to replace “Product of USA” on beef with “Processed in the USA.”
FAQ
Which agency oversees the label?
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Can imported cattle be labeled Product of USA?
Currently, yes, if the beef is processed in the USA.
What comes next?
A USDA rulemaking listed in the Spring Regulatory Agenda.
Source & credit
Source: DTN Progressive Farmer, July 2, 2021: “USDA to Review ‘Product of the USA’ Label”.
Also: Progressive Cattle: “Vilsack announces review of Product of the USA labeling rules”.