Four senators from both parties are sponsoring the “American Beef Labeling Act,” which would bring back mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef.
The sponsors are Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). Congress repealed the old law in 2015 after the World Trade Organization said Canada and Mexico could impose retaliatory tariffs of almost $1 billion.
How the bill works
- The U.S. Trade Representative, working with the Agriculture Secretary, would have one year to create a WTO-compliant way to restore MCOOL for beef.
- That means six months to write a plan and six months to put it in place.
- If that does not happen within a year, MCOOL would come back automatically for beef.
Today, imported beef that is only finished or repackaged in the USA can carry a “Product of USA” label. The Montana Cattlemen’s Association later backed the bill, filed as S. 2716.
“When you see a ‘product of the USA’ label on the grocery store shelf, it should mean just that.”
Sen. John Thune
FAQ
What would the bill do?
Restore mandatory country of origin labeling for beef within one year of enactment.
Who sponsors it?
Sens. John Thune, Jon Tester, Mike Rounds and Cory Booker.
Why was MCOOL repealed?
Congress repealed it in 2015 after the WTO said Canada and Mexico could impose retaliatory tariffs.
Source & credit
Source: Food Safety News, September 10, 2021: “Bipartisan senators say mandatory beef labeling is what American consumers want”.
Also: Tri-State Livestock News, November 11, 2021: “Montana Cattlemen’s Association supports S 2716”.