Voluntary “Product of USA” Labeling Reforms Overdue; Mandatory Reforms Needed

For Immediate Release: March 6, 2023

By: R-CALF USA Field Director Karina Jones

Contact: R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard

Phone: 406-252-2516; r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com

 

Billings, Mont. – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a proposed rule regarding the voluntary use of the “Product of USA” label on meat, poultry, and egg products. The proposed rule allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim only when the products are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.

While R-CALF USA supports the proposed reforms to the “Product of USA” label; it stands firm that only Congress can create labeling reforms that will restore the entire truth to beef consumers and create the market reforms deserved for domestic cattle producers.

“It is important to understand that the “Product of USA” label is simply a clarification of a voluntary label,” said R-CALF USA President Brett Kenzy. “I fear that it will be used at the convenience of global meatpackers and importers. The voluntary label will continue the need for purchase of American beef by consumers to be a research project; beef from foreign countries will continue to bear the USDA inspection stamp.”

R-CALF USA remains steadfast that only under legislative reform will effective change happen, like the immediate passing of the American Beef Labeling Act (S.52) that reinstates mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef.

“With American cattle herds at a 60-year low, it is regrettable for consumers and cattle producers that it has taken eight years to stop the mislabeling of foreign beef,” said Kenzy. “Public sentiment has rallied to force the USDA to stop the lie, now America needs Congress to compel the truth by enacting the American Beef Labeling Act.”

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R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America) is the largest producer-only lobbying and trade association representing U.S. cattle producers. It is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. Visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516 for more information.