A group of senators has unveiled the American Beef Labeling Act, which would reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT), John Thune (R-SD), Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the bill on Sept. 8.
“This is an important step in restoring market integrity for consumers and cattle producers. For too long, the packers have skewed this market in their favor. Now, we take it back,” Rounds said in a statement.
The legislation directs the U.S. trade representative and secretary of Agriculture to determine a way to reinstate MCOOL requirements that comply with World Trade Organization rules within 180 days of the bill’s enactment. Within a year of the bill’s enactment, the two positions would be required to implement the MCOOL requirements.
If MCOOL requirements fail to be reinstated within one year, MCOOL would automatically be reinstated for beef only.
The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) applauded the measure.
“From the perspective of the USCA, [the Product of the USA] label should pertain only to beef that was born, raised, and harvested in the USA,” said USCA Vice President Justin Tupper.
“This legislation provides a pathway for achieving clear, accurate labels so that consumers can continue choosing to put high quality American beef on their plates.”— Anna Miller, WLJ managing editor
