Written by USDA Proposes New Requirements for the “Product of USA” Label Claim
USA’s Agri Products Regulator proposes to introduce New Labelling Norms for Made in USA to bring more clarity to Consumers and also to protect Consumer Safety.
Some key takeaways from the announcement are : –
-New regulatory requirements are proposed to better align the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim with consumer understanding of what the claim means –
-The proposed rule allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.
– The increased clarity and transparency provided by this proposed change would prevent consumer confusion and help ensure that consumers understand where their food comes from.
– “American consumers expect that when they buy a meat product at the grocery store, the claims they see on the label mean what they say”
– “These proposed changes are intended to provide consumers with accurate information to make informed purchasing decisions
– USDA’s proposed rulemaking is supported by petitions, thousands of comments from stakeholders, and data.
– The nationwide consumer survey conducted by the Regulator has revealed that the current “Product of USA” labeling claim is misleading to a majority of consumers surveyed, with a significant portion believing the claim means that the product was made from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States
– USDA’s comprehensive review shows there is a clear need to revise the current “Product of USA” label claim so that it more accurately conveys U.S. origin information.