Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) reintroduced the “USA Beef Act” in early August 2021. The bill would allow only beef from cattle born, raised and slaughtered in the United States to carry the “Product of USA” label.
“It’s pretty simple — only beef born, raised and slaughtered in the United States should receive the ‘Product of USA’ label.”
Sen. Mike Rounds
Key details
- Cosponsors include Sens. John Barrasso, Cory Booker, Bill Hagerty, John Thune, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Cynthia Lummis and Steve Daines.
- Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana is leading the House version.
- Rounds first introduced the bill in 2019.
- Mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef was repealed in 2015 after a World Trade Organization ruling.
- Today, beef from imported cattle can be labeled Product of USA if it is processed in the USA.
The bill came weeks after USDA announced a review of the Product of USA label for meat.
FAQ
What would the bill change?
Only beef born, raised and slaughtered in the USA could carry the Product of USA label.
Who wrote it?
Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota.
Is there a House version?
Yes, led by Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana.
Source & credit
Source: MEAT+POULTRY, August 6, 2021: “Proposed legislation to limit use of ‘Product of USA’ label”.
Also: Montana Standard, August 2021: report on the bill.