Country-of-Origin Labeling Law Informs Consumers of Food Processing Origin(s)

Starting September 30, 2008 new mandatory Federal law Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) informs consumers as to the origin of many foods purchased. Food manufacturers and grocery stores will have to provide new labeling information on beef, pork, chicken and lamb to inform the public where the by -products of animals raised in the United States or another country. Also, the new law encompasses perishable items including fruits, vegetables and variety of nuts (peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts and ginseng 5). Consumers may discover on some labeling of food products multiple list of countries. "That's especially true of grounded beef, since some meat processors combine cuts from a number of countries to make ground meat and hamburger patties." 1

A multiple list of countries on a label does not provide information regarding how much each country contributed or processed the by- product. The Country-of-Origin labeling does exclude products sold in fish markets, butcher shops and food sold in restaurants.2 Also, including in the exemption of COOL food purchased in cafeterias, lounges, lunchrooms or other food service establishments. Ingredients processed in food items or produced or packaged prior to September 30, 2008 are exempt from the new labeling law. 6

According to food safety groups the Department of Agriculture exempts Country-of-Origin Labeling, from foods defined as "processed": "Such as mixed frozen vegetables, which exempts them from the new law (or bag of peas mixed with carrots)" 1