This week, 50 cattle, farm, rural, and consumer groups sent a joint letter to U.S. Senate and House members who, during the last session of Congress, co-sponsored the American Beef Labeling Act that restores mandatory country of origin labeling for beef.
The letter expressed the groups’ gratitude for the congressional members’ leadership and support of the American Beef Labeling Act during the last session of Congress.
Signers of the letter ask for MCOOL’s reintroduction in the new Congress that started on Jan. 3. In their letter, the groups pledged their support to assist Congress in swiftly enacting the bill.
“We’re appreciative of the diverse coalition of groups who understand the importance of having accurately labeled beef in the grocery store,” said U.S. Cattlemen’s Association president Justin Tupper. “When we come together as an industry like this, producers, as well as consumers, benefit. This sort of collaboration brings us closer to our shared goal of reinstating truth in labeling on U.S. beef”
The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association says that support for the American Beef Labeling Act is high, with nearly nine in ten voters saying that they support the legislation.
The 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills included MCOOL labeling of beef sold in the United States. These laws were removed by Congress in 2015. The American Beef Labeling Act is a proposed piece of legislation reinstating mandatory country of origin labeling on beef sold in the united states.
Supporters of MCOOL say that the act would ensure that only beef born, raised, and harvested in the U.S. could legally have a “Product of the U.S.A.” sticker on the package.
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