A bipartisan bill to bring back mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for beef has resurfaced in Congress, Public News Service reported on February 26, 2025.
What supporters want
- The bill would require origin labels on beef such as steaks and hamburger.
- Supporters say loopholes let large meatpackers put a “Product of U.S.A.” label on beef from imported cattle.
- Congress repealed mandatory COOL for beef and pork in 2015 under pressure from multinational meat companies and trade partners.
- USDA changes adopted under the Biden administration tightened the voluntary “Product of USA” claim but did not make labels mandatory.
- Opponents worry about trade friction with Canada and Mexico.
“Consumers want to support American farmers and this is one way they can do it.”
Nick Nemec, South Dakota cattle producer
Why it matters for Made in USA
Beef is one of the few foods where shoppers often cannot tell where the animal was born and raised. Mandatory labels would make that information standard at the meat case.
FAQ
What is mandatory COOL?
A rule requiring retail labels that show where meat comes from.
When was it repealed for beef?
In 2015.
What about the USDA Product of USA rule?
It tightened a voluntary claim. It does not require origin labels.
Source & credit
Source: Public News Service, February 26, 2025: “Mandatory ‘Made in USA’ labeling for beef gets another look”.