USDA tightens product of USA label rules for meat

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a crucial rule, ensuring that the "Product of USA" label truly represents American products.

Tom Vilsack, the USDA Secretary, highlighted the rule's goal to protect consumers and promote a fair marketplace, emphasizing that products labeled "Product of USA" must be born, raised, slaughtered, and processed within the country.

Warren Symens, leader of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, criticized the previous guideline, which allowed imported beef to be labeled as U.S. product if only repackaged domestically.

The new regulation aims to correct this, instilling transparency and trust in American beef.

This update happens during calls for the return of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, in contrast to voluntary labeling rules that have been open to misuse.

South Dakota's political figures, including Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, have strongly advocated for the rule, emphasizing the importance of label integrity for both producers and consumers.

Sen. John Thune and Rep. Dusty Johnson echoed this sentiment, welcoming the closure of the labeling loophole. Their advocacy underscores a broad consensus on the need for honest labeling practices that reflect the true origin of meat products.

Support for the rule extends across various industry groups, including the South Dakota Farmers Union and the United States Cattlemen’s Association.

Their collective endorsement underlines the rule's significance in ensuring the integrity of the "Product of USA" label, aligning it with consumer expectations and reinforcing the value of American agriculture.

“Integrity has been restored to the ‘Product of the USA’ label,” Rounds remarked, capturing the essence of the new rule and its contribution to a transparent and equitable market for meat, poultry, and egg products.

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