July 16, 2003 - Congress delays mandatory COOL

by Daniel Yovich for Meatingplace.com

The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday blocked a previous requirement that imported meat be identified with country-of-origin labels, a move lauded by industry heavyweights but criticized by smaller producer organizations.

The 208-193 vote followed strong lobbying by grocers, packers and cattle interests opposed to the requirements, which were slated to take effect in the fall of 2004. Though not the final word, it is a crucial step in an intensely fought controversy with international dimensions.

"We are encouraged that House lawmakers recognized the problems associated with country-of-origin labeling for red meat products and voted to withhold funding for its implementation," said American Meat Institute President J. Patrick Boyle.

Conversely, the United Stockgrowers of America criticized the vote.

"We are disappointed in those House members who caved in to the special interest groups who don't want U.S. cattle producers to compete with their foreign counterparts and who don't want consumers to have a choice in where their meat is produced," said Leo McDonnell, president of the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America.

Congress initially imposed the country-of-origin label requirement as part of the sweeping farm bill approved last year. It was supposed to cover beef, lamb, fish and all perishable fruits and vegetables. Retailers violating the labeling law would face a fine of up to $10,000.

The effort to roll back the labeling requirement faces a more difficult road in the Senate, where Democratic leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) says the move would be irresponsible. He said the recent mad cow scare in Canada shows the new labeling law is an important marketing and informational tool.

This article reprinted with permission from Meat Marketing & Technology.

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