USDA Criticizes Country of Origin Labeling Regulation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated that the mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) program on meat, seafood, produce and peanuts could cost American foodmakers up to $3.9 billion in its first year. The USDA found virtually no benefits from possible consumer demand for labeling. The full text of the proposed rule will be published in the Oct. 30 Federal Register. The 2002 Farm Bill requires country of origin labeling for all covered commodities sold at retail beginning September 30, 2004.
|posted by Douglas N. Jacobson| Permalink 
