The National Cattlemen's Beef Association said it is reviewing a Senate bill that would move up the deadline for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for all meat products from Sept. 30, 2008 to Sept. 30, 2007.
NCBA spokeswoman Karen Batra told Meatingplace.com that while NCBA continues to support COOL, it still believes the labeling should be voluntary rather than mandatory. Among other problems, the law exempts poultry, putting beef producers at a competitive disadvantage, she said.
"What we're talking about here is a marketing program," Batra said. "And the government shouldn't mandate how someone markets their product."
The Senate bill was sponsored by Sens. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.). Sens. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.)and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) have also signed onto the bill, as well as senators from the Dakotas, Iowa and New Mexico.
"It is important to provide consumers with more product information, better choices and a better chance to support American agriculture," Thomas told reporters.
Source: Tom Johnston on Tuesday, January 30, 2007, Meatingplace.com