Daschle Introduces Country-of -Origin Labeling Bill

U.S Sen. Tom Daschle (Dem., South Dakota) has introduced legislation that would implement country-of-origin labeling by the original Sept. 30, 2004 deadline.

Daschle’s actions follow media reports indicating that the U.S. Department of Agriculture allowed imports of processed beef from Canada despite an earlier pledge by U.S. Secretary Ann Veneman that this would not be permitted.

Daschle’s action drew praise from National Farmers Union President Dave Frederickson, who said country-of-origin labeling has become more urgent following reports that agricultural officials evaded the ban on Canadian processed beef.

Companies currently have the right under federal law to include voluntary country-of-origin labeling until mandatory labeling is implemented. Daschle's proposal would reinstate the implementation date for mandatory country-of-labeling origin as soon as possible.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at May 27, 2004 08:44 AM | TrackBack