Number: RS22955
Title: Country-of-Origin Labeling for Foods
Authors: Geoffrey S. Becker, Specialist in Agricultural Policy 
Abstract: Many retail food stores are now required to inform consumers about the country of origin of fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, ginseng, and ground and muscle cuts of beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and goat. The rules are required by the 2002 farm bill (P.L. 107- 171) as amended by the 2008 farm bill (P.L. 110-246). During late 2008 and early 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it was attempting to educate retailers and suppliers about the new law's requirements; more rigorous enforcement is expected to be under way by April 2009. However, controversy over the law could continue during the 111th Congress. Some agricultural and food industry groups and foreign importers oppose COOL as costly and unnecessary, although others, including some cattle and consumer groups, maintain that Americans want and deserve to know the origin of their foods.
Pages: 10
Date: January 15, 2009