The "Interim Final Rule for Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng, and Macadamia Nuts" (mCOOL) went on display at the Federal Register. The 233 page document can be viewed online at http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-17562_PI.pdf. The comment period will be open for 60 days following publication. The regulation will be effective beginning September 30, 2008.
Some highlights include:
- Meat from all livestock in the United States on July 15 may be labeled as U.S. origin.
- Meat from livestock born, raised and slaughtered in the United States may be labeled as "Product of the U.S.".
- Meat from livestock raised and slaughtered in the United States may be labeled as "Product of the U.S., Country X, and/or Country Y".
- Meat from livestock imported for direct slaughter will be labeled as "Product of Country X and U.S.".
- Imported meat will be labeled with the origin declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- The label for ground product will list all the countries of origin contained therein or that may be reasonably contained therein. When a raw material from a specific origin is not is a processor’s inventory for more than 60 days that country will no longer be allowed on the label.
- Suppliers of covered commodities must provide retailers with the origin information.
- Slaughterers are responsible for initiating the origin claim and must possess or have legal access to records to substantiate the origin claim.
- Slaughterers may rely on producer affidavits provided they are made by persons having first-hand knowledge of the origin.
- Slaughterers may rely on the NAIS system to base their origin claims.
Source:
National Meat Association
Lean Trimmings, July 28, 2008