USDA Proposed "Product of USA" Labeling Changes for Beef
On March 6, 2023, the USDA released a proposed rule with new regulatory requirements 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.
USDA’s proposed rulemaking is supported by petitions, thousands of comments from stakeholders, and data. In July 2021, USDA initiated a comprehensive review to understand what the “Product of USA” claim means to consumers and inform planned rulemaking to define the requirements for making such a claim. As part of its review, USDA commissioned a nationwide consumer survey. The survey 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.
The Kansas Cattlemen’s Association supports the proposed rulemaking to make the voluntary label of “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” for use only on beef derived cattle born, raised, and harvested in the United States. KCA will continue to work through the rulemaking process to provide information and updates to its members and beef consumers. Additionally, comments will be submitted by KCA as part of the rulemaking process.
Support Kansas Cattlemen’s Association, independent cattlemen, and beef consumers by sharing this proposed rulemaking and contacting your legislators. You can also submit your own comments at during the 60 day public comment period at www.regulations.gov
The press release from USDA can be viewed at: https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/03/06/usda-proposes-new-requirements-product-usa-label-claim
The draft of the proposed rule is available for download here.
Proposed Rule Only:
Complete Proposed Rule Package: