Two-Year Delay on Food Labeling?

A country-of-origin labeling provision requiring retailers to identify the national origin of beef and produce could be delayed for up to two years.

The labeling requirement was due to take effect on Sept. 30 under farm legislation that was enacted in 2002. However, a $820 billion catchall spending measure currently under consideration in Congress mandates a two-year delay.

Farmers and consumer groups, who support the provision, claim labeling is sorely needed in a global marketplace where American consumers are choosing among products produced throughout the world. Consumers, they argue, have no way of knowing where all these products come from and would be more inclined to buy American-grown products if the items were labeled.

Grocery chains and food processor organizations, on the other hand, have opposed labeling, claiming it is too costly and burdensome.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at January 27, 2004 08:56 AM