Senators Mike Rounds and John Thune this week took steps to keep beef born, raised and slaughtered in foreign countries from receiving a “Product of the U.S.A.” label.
The South Dakota Republicans say the U.S. Beef Integrity Act would make certain that the “Product of the U.S.A.” label only goes to beef and beef products exclusively derived from animals born, raised and slaughtered in the United States.
Currently, the Food Safety and Inspection Service does not require that beef be born, raised and slaughtered in the U.S. in order to carry a “Product of the U.S.A.” label.
The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association says the legislation would “immediately close the loophole,” and allow for a continued push towards establishing of a country-of-origin labeling program.
However, the National Cattlemen’s Association says, “In general, NCBA members are opposed to requesting additional government regulation on our industry.”
The organization recently formed a working group to gather information regarding labeling practices to “fully understand the scope of the issue” and seek solutions.
