USDA Issues Interim Rule on Country of Origin Labeling

The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued an interim final rule July 29 for the mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) program that will become effective on Sept. 30.

The rule covers muscle cuts and ground beef (including veal), lamb, chicken, goat, and pork; perishable agricultural commodities (fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables); macadamia nuts; pecans; ginseng; and peanuts. Commodities covered under COOL must be labeled at retail to indicate their country of origin.

Ingredients in processed food items are exempt, and food service establishments are exempt from COOL.