AMS Reopens Comment Period on Proposed Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for Beef, Lamb, Pork, Peanuts, Etc.
The Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a notice announcing that it is reopening the comment period for 60 days, until August 20, 2007, on the October 2003 proposed rule for mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) for beef, lamb, pork, perishable agricultural commodities, and peanuts.
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(The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-97) delayed the applicability of mandatory COOL for beef, lamb, pork, agricultural commodities, and peanuts until September 30, 2008. Mandatory COOL took effect April 4, 2005 for wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish.
AMS requests general comments on the proposed rule taking into account that it has changed corresponding definitions and requirements in the October 2004 interim final rule for fish and shellfish. See ITT's Online Archives or 06/21/07 news, 07062125, for BP summary of the reopening of the comment period for the October 2004 interim final rule for fish and shellfish.)
AMS Requests General and Specific Comments in Formulating a Final Rule
AMS states that in preparation for promulgating a final regulatory action, it seeks comments on all aspects of the proposed rule for mandatory COOL for beef, lamb, pork, perishable agricultural commodities, and peanuts as well as specific comments, data, and other relevant information on whether the definitions and requirements contained in the interim final rule for fish and shellfish can be applied to a mandatory COOL program
for beef, lamb, pork, perishable agricultural commodities and peanuts.
Additionally, AMS requests interested parties to provide comments and perspective related to the information that is to be provided from a mandatory COOL program and the expected costs and benefits of such a program.
AMS notes that comments addressing the following are of special interest: the definition of a processed food item; requirements and procedures for country of origin notification; requirements for markings, recordkeeping requirements; and timeframes for products produced prior to the implementation date to clear the channels of commerce.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 11/04/03 news, 03110410, for Part III of BP summary of the October 2003 proposed rule, with links to the other parts.)
- comments must be submitted on or before August 20, 2007
AMS contact - Martin O'Connor (202) 720-4486
AMS notice (D/N AMS-LS-06-0081; LS-04-04, FR Pub 06/20/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-3029.pdf