USDA sets interim rules for country of origin labeling

Edited by David Bellm -- Packaging Digest, 7/30/2008 10:45:00 AM

The United States Department of Agriculture has set new country of origin labeling (COOL) rules for certain foods, including a number of different meats, nuts, and other perishable agricultural commodities.

Among other changes, the USDA’s 2008 Farm Bill adds several food types that weren’t including in previous COOL revisions; the new rules add chicken, goat, macadamia nuts, pecans, and ginseng.

The new rule also adds provisions for labeling products of multiple origins.

The regulations are effective September 30, 2008, but don’t apply to commodities produced or packaged before that date. According to the USDA, there will also be a period for comment by those in the industry, as well as education and outreach programs regarding the new rules.

The new USDA bill is the latest in a line of amendments to the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, to require retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin for certain commodities.

The full 233-page pdf version of the rule is available at the USDA website.

Previous Article
Unilever sells laundry products business

Talkback

We would love your feedback!

Featured Company

SATO

SATO is a pioneer and leading global provider of integrated Automatic Identification and Data Collection solutions that leverage barcode and RFID technologies. SATO manufactures innovative, reliable auto-identification systems and offers complete... more
Bosch Packaging Technology

Bosch Packaging Technology, Inc. is one of the world's leading suppliers of packaging machinery. Our diverse portfolio of packaging machines, including the well known Doboy brand, includes robotic automation with pick & place robots (delta robots)... more
A-B-C Packaging Machine Corporation

For over 69 years, A-B-C has led the industry with innovative case erectors, packers, sealers, palletizers, depalletizers and more-- built to save money and reduce labor on the packaging line. Today, our work continues as we develop machines to... more
Adept Technology

Adept Technology is a global, leading provider of intelligent robotics systems that enable customers to achieve precision, speed, quality and productivity in their assembly, handling, packaging, testing and other automated processes. Adept's... more
VISION RESEARCH

Vision Research designs and manufactures high-speed digital imaging systems used in applications including defense, automotive, engineering, science, medical research, industrial manufacturing and packaging, sports and entertainment, and digital... more
Shibuya Hoppman Corporation

Shibuya Hoppmann, a leading systems integrator, effectively responds to your needs using our innovative approaches towards technology, quality, reliability, experience and customer service. We want to be your preferred packaging machinery... more
Plastic Ingenuity

Plastic Ingenuity provides custom solutions for your unique thermoformed packaging needs for the food, retail, cell phone, medical, cosmetic, and other industries. Offering a wide variety of materials, including bio materials such as PLA, PSM, and... more
Wayne Automation Corporation

Through innovation and experience, Wayne Automation has developed a comprehensive line of packaging equipment built for reliability and long system life. Our product line includes: Case Erectors, Sealers, Partition Inserters, Tray Formers... more
Glue Dots International

Founded in 1995, Glue Dots International revolutionized the adhesives industry with pressure sensitive Glue Dots Brand Adhesive Products. Located in New Berlin, Wisconsin, Glue Dots holds several patents and continues to develop new, efficient... more
Diagraph, An ITW Company

Diagraph offers world-class marking, inkjet coding, and labeling systems for your RFID and product identification needs. Our product line includes a diverse line of industrial ink jet solutions including: small character continuous ink jet coding... more
Cognex Corporation

Cognex Corporation is the world's leading provider of vision systems, vision software, vision sensors, industrial ID readers and surface inspection systems used in manufacturing automation. Cognex helps companies improve product quality, eliminate... more
ID Technology

ID Technology (IDT), a division of Pro Mach, is a manufacturer and integrator of labeling, coding, and marking systems and solutions. With 17 regional facilities, IDT provides responsive service and support to fit our customers individual needs... more
Advanced Poly-Packaging, Inc.

that are fast, simple and money-saving! High quality poly bags, tabletop & production baggers and conveyors, scales and parts counters. Mail order, many foods, medical/pharmaceutical and more... more