USDA Sets Final Rule for Country of Origin Labeling (C.O.O.L.)
On Monday January 12, 2009 USDA published its final rule for Country of Origin Labeling (C.O.O.L.) covering Fish and Shellfish, muscle cuts and ground product of Beef (including Veal), Lamb, Pork, Chicken, Goat; Perishable Agriculture Commodities, Macadamia Nuts, Pecans, Ginseng, and Peanuts. The final rule is effective on March 16, 2009.
This section of the N.G.A. website is dedicated to assisting retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers comply with the Final Rule.
Click to viewN.G.A.’s Special Report to see the specific changes included in the Final Rule (.pdf 44 kb).
N.G.A. and FMI Issue Guidance on Country of Origin Labeling It is important that you ensure that your stores identify a country of origin for every covered commodity. To help at store level, we have developed Quick Sheets that break down the store level country of origin labeling requirements for the produce, meat and seafood departments. You should review the sheets to make sure that they reflect the instructions to your store personnel.
* Please note that these sheets do not address recordkeeping. Retailers do have an obligation to keep records (1) to verify the country of origin claim for all covered commodities until they are sold; and (2) to be able to identify their suppliers
USDA Releases New Rule on Country of Origin Labeling
Released 8/1/08
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released the final interim rule with a new rule for country of origin labeling. Mandatory country of origin labeling of beef, lamb, pork, chicken, goat meat, perishable agricultural commodities, ginseng, pecans, macadamia nuts and peanuts will come into effect starting on September 30, 2008. Watch this podcast for an overview on becoming compliant with COOL regulations.
A Closer Look at COOL Regulations on Fruits and Vegetables
Released 8/8/08
According to a nationwide survey, 83 percent of consumers favor mandatory country-of-origin labeling for fresh produce. Beginning September 30th this must happen in all supermarkets according to the new final interim rule for country of origin labeling. Watch this podcast on keeping your produce department in compliance with new COOL regulations. You will learn about merchandising, labeling and signage regarding fruits and vegetables.
NGATV – A Closer Look at COOL Regulations on Meat Product
The interpretation of the new COOL regulations in regards to meat product can be complex and tricky, which is why we have created a podcast dedicated entirely to this section of the regulations. We would strongly encourage you to discuss with your meat supplier their plans to ensure you will receive the correct information so that you can comply with the regulations after watching this podcast.
NGATV -- A Closer Look at COOL Record Keeping and Enforcement Regulations on Meat and Produce This is the fourth part of our country of origin labeling podcast series and to help our members better understand the COOL interim final rule for meat and produce, this weeks podcast will focus on record keeping requirements and enforcement.
Produce Marketing Association On August 6, 2008 PMA and Western Growers held a free Webinar on the COOL. The Webinar recording and Powerpoint presentation is now available as well as the question and answer portion of the webinar.
