Labeling Loopholes Will Leave Consumers in the Dark

CONTACT:
Erin Greenfield or Patty Lovera
(202) 683-2500

Labeling Loopholes Will Leave Consumers in the Dark:
Rules for Country-of-Origin Labeling Exempt Many Products

Statement by Wenonah Hauter, Food & Water Watch Executive Director

“Consumers have been waiting far too long for mandatory country-of-origin labeling, which finally goes into effect on September 30th.  Later this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will release their interim final rule for mandatory labeling for red meat, chicken, goat, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and ginseng.

“Thanks to strong language in the recently passed Farm Bill, the USDA rules contain some improvements over the agency‚ previous attempts, including strong standards for which meat products can be called Product of the U.S. and clarity on recordkeeping requirements for retailers and suppliers.

“But unfortunately, the rules also contain a massive loophole that will allow large quantities of food to go without labeling.  The USDA has written such a broad definition for which foods are processed, and therefore exempt from labeling, that the majority of frozen vegetables and pork products will not have to be labeled and an estimated 95 percent of peanuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts will be exempt from labeling requirements.

“The USDA and the food industry have had six years to figure out how to implement country-of-origin labeling for red meat, peanuts, and fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. It is inexcusable to exempt so much food from this basic labeling requirement just because one ingredient has been added or because something has been roasted or cooked.  The USDA needs to dramatically limit the use of the exemption for processed foods so that the consumers get the most benefit from country-of-origin labeling.”