A federal judge in New Mexico on August 27, 2020, dismissed two consolidated cases that said “Product of USA” labels on beef mislead shoppers, Food Safety News reported on September 2.
The defendants were Tyson Foods Inc., Cargill Meat Solutions, JBS USA and National Beef Packing Co.
The cases
- Cattle producers and consumers argued that beef from cattle raised abroad and imported for slaughter and processing could still carry a “Product of USA” label.
- The judge found that the governing law leaves meat labeling to the USDA. He also said there was no need to decide whether the labels might be misleading.
- The plaintiffs said they were weighing an appeal.
Background
The USDA’s 2013 mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) rules required meat labels to say where an animal was born, raised and slaughtered. Canada and Mexico won a World Trade Organization challenge, and Congress repealed COOL for beef and pork in late 2015.
The ruling came as the FTC took comments, through September 14, on its proposed Made in USA Labeling Rule. Food Safety News said the two agencies’ standards appear to conflict.
FAQ
When were the cases dismissed?
August 27, 2020.
Who were the defendants?
Tyson, Cargill, JBS USA and National Beef.
Why were they dismissed?
The judge said meat labeling is within the USDA’s authority.
Source & credit
Source: Food Safety News, September 2, 2020: “Judge leaves USDA to decide on ‘Product of USA,’ but FTC might lend a hand on the labels”.