The White House said on Jan. 3, 2022 that USDA will issue new “Product of USA” labeling rules so shoppers can better tell where their meat comes from.
Under the rules at the time, meat could carry the label if it was only processed in the USA, even when the animal was raised overseas. The White House said this could make it hard for consumers to know what they are buying.
What the plan includes
- A top-to-bottom USDA review of the current label and consumer understanding, aimed at new rulemaking.
- $1 billion in American Rescue Plan funds to expand independent meat and poultry processing.
- Up to $375 million in gap financing grants for independent processing plants.
- New rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act and a joint USDA and Justice Department portal for competition complaints.
The White House said four companies process about 85% of U.S. beef.
FAQ
What label is USDA reviewing?
The “Product of USA” claim on meat.
How much money is in the plan?
$1 billion for independent processing.
Why change the label?
Meat from animals raised overseas could carry it if processed in the USA.
Source & credit
Source: The White House, Jan. 3, 2022: “FACT SHEET: The Biden-Harris Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain”.
Also: The Daily Upside via Nasdaq, Jan. 3, 2022: “USA to Press for More ‘Made in America’ Meat”.