USDA SOLICITS COMMENTS ON COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING GUIDELINES

July 25, 2002

USDA announced today it is seeking public comment on how best to structure the voluntary country of origin labeling (COOL) guidelines which it is required to develop under the 2002 Farm Bill.  The Bill requires that the Department issue the voluntary guidelines by September 30 so retailers can begin labeling beef, pork, lamb, fish, perishable agricultural commodities (fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables) and peanuts as to country of origin.  Retailers may voluntarily label covered commodities for country of origin for a two-year period beginning September 30.  The mandatory COOL provisions then become effective on September 30, 2004.  The law does not apply to foodservice establishments such as restaurants, lunch rooms, cafeterias, food stands, bars, lounges or similar enterprises selling prepared food to the public.  USDA wants all comments submitted by August 9 and committed to make "draft" guidelines available to the public in late August, before they are finalized.  AMI already has submitted one set of