Cattle group R-CALF USA released a poll in September 2022 that it says shows strong voter support for mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. Food Safety News reported it on September 28, 2022.
What the poll found
Morning Consult ran the poll for the Coalition for a Prosperous America. R-CALF cited these results:
- 86% of voters support the American Beef Labeling Act, which would restore MCOOL for beef.
- 90% are concerned that imported beef that was born, raised and harvested abroad can legally carry a “Product of U.S.A.” sticker.
- 89% are concerned that such beef can carry a USA food safety inspection sticker.
“Our new poll makes it clear that an overwhelming number of American voters want Congress to enact MCOOL for beef.”
Bill Bullard, CEO, R-CALF USA
The bills and the USDA review
The Senate bill, S.2716, was introduced in 2021 by Sens. John Thune, Jon Tester, Mike Rounds and Cory Booker, but it has not moved in committee. A House companion, H.R.7291, came from Reps. Lance Gooden and Ro Khanna in March 2022.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has said the Product of USA label on meat needs a full review. R-CALF says Congress should act now instead of waiting for it.
FAQ
What does the American Beef Labeling Act do?
It would restore mandatory country of origin labeling for beef.
Who ran the poll?
Morning Consult, for the Coalition for a Prosperous America.
What is USDA doing?
Reviewing the voluntary Product of USA label for meat.
Source & credit
Source: Food Safety News, September 28, 2022: “USDA secretary says he is working on ‘made in the USA’ labeling for beef; cattlemen want faster action”.