Country-of-Origin Labeling

Objective

Oppose the expansion of mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements and support a voluntary labeling program.

Summary of the Issue        

Various businesses face potential new costs associated with mandatory country-of-origin labeling of their products. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes mandatory labeling because it provides no meaningful benefits and, ultimately, would raise consumer food costs. Moreover, implementing country-of-origin labeling proposals may be technically infeasible, extremely costly, and particularly onerous for small processors.

Regardless of these burdens, substantial pressure to impose mandatory labeling remains. The 2002 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (2002 Farm Bill) contained provisions that require food products ― including meat, produce, and seafood items ― to include a country-of-origin label. On January 23, 2004, however, President Bush signed into law the fiscal year 2004 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which extended the moratorium on a mandatory labeling program for an additional two years for meats, fruits, vegetables, and peanuts. Nevertheless, wild and farm-raised fish must bear a country-of-origin label in accordance with the 2002 Farm Bill.

In June 2005, the U.S. Chamber successfully helped include language into the 2006 Agricultural Appropriations Act (H.R. 2744) to postpone implementation of mandatory country-of-origin labeling for meat products until 2008. The U.S. Chamber supports the delay in implementation of mandatory country-of-origin labeling, as contained in H.R. 2744, because it gives businesses the flexibility to decide whether or not to provide country-of-origin information to consumers. 

Mandatory country-of-origin labeling is protectionist and could create significant trade barriers that undermine ongoing efforts by the United States to reduce barriers to international trade.

U.S. Chamber Strategy

• Oppose expansion of mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements.
• Support voluntary country-of-origin labeling as a business and consumer-friendly alternative to mandatory labeling requirements.
• Oppose labeling programs that do not advance food safety.

Staff Contact Information

Thomas Myers
(202) 463-5804
tmyers@uschamber.com