Biden Administration Proposes New Rule for U.S. Meat, Poultry, and Egg Labeling

The Biden administration has proposed a new rule that would require meat, poultry, and eggs labeled as a U.S. product to come from animals raised and slaughtered within the country. This rule is a win for U.S. ranchers who had lobbied for the change as they believed that the existing rules disadvantaged domestic producers.
Background on U.S. Meat Labeling
Existing labeling rules permit the use of the “Product of USA” label for meat derived from animals that were born and raised abroad and only processed in the United States. This has been a contentious issue for years, with U.S. farmers and ranchers arguing that this labeling practice is unfair to domestic producers.
In 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) finalized labeling standards for meat that required country-of-origin labeling. However, the World Trade Organization blocked the implementation of the standard in 2015 after Canada and Mexico brought legal challenges, arguing damage to trade.
Proposed Rule by Biden Administration
As part of a broader strategy to encourage competition in the economy and in the highly consolidated meat sector, the administration and the USDA pledged to review the “Product of USA” and “Made in the USA” label standards for meat early last year.
The USDA conducted a consumer survey last year that found the majority of consumers believed the “Product of USA” label means the product came from animals born and raised in the country. Therefore, the proposed rule would require meat, poultry, and eggs labeled as U.S. products to come from animals raised and slaughtered within the country.
Support from Farmers and Ranchers
Groups representing farmers and ranchers have cheered the announcement of the proposed rule. The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association president, Justin Tupper, said in a statement, “If it says ‘Made in the USA,’ then it should be from cattle that have only known USA soil. Consumers have the right to know where their food comes from, full stop.” The group had petitioned the USDA to update its meat origin labeling.
Voluntary Labeling:
The “Product of the USA” label will remain voluntary under the USDA’s proposed rule. This means that producers can choose whether to use the label, but if they do, they must comply with the new rule.
In conclusion, the proposed rule by the Biden administration is a victory for U.S. ranchers and a step towards more transparent meat labeling for consumers.