In March, Menu Foods began a massive recall of 60 million cans and pouches of pet food sold under a number of brand names after discovering that Chinese wheat gluten used in the products was contaminated with melamine, a chemical found in plastics and pesticides.

On April 2, the Food and Drug Administration said wheat gluten from the same Chinese exporter had also been sold to U.S. processing plants that produce human food products. While the agency said it believes the human food supply is safe, it also advised that it cannot rule out potential contamination of human food products at this time.

Wheat gluten is used primarily as a protein-rich thickener in many human and pet food products.

"The food system in America is the most regulated in the world," said USCA President Jon Wooster, a cattle producer in California. "The contaminant causing the pet food recall is used primarily to manufacture plastics. According to FDA officials, the chemical is used in Asia as a fertilizer, but is not authorized for use as a fertilizer in the U.S. Yet, a third world country is permitted to use the substance and export it to the U.S. risking the safety and security of our food supply. It’s time for Congress to implement mandatory country of origin labeling for food to give American consumers the information they need to make informed purchases."

Importing ingredients for food products is becoming increasingly common in the U.S., a result of companies seeking food items produced at cheaper costs in other countries.

"While these companies are outsourcing to the least cost producer for goods, services and food they are working overtime in Washington, DC to oppose labeling products with country of origin information on meats, fruits and vegetables," said Danni Beer, South Dakota, USCA COOL Committee Chair. "In 2002, legislation was passed that would require labeling of these food items in retail stores. However, food importers - notably meat importers - have succeeded in delaying implementation of labeling information for consumers. Producer and consumer groups have worked hand-in-hand to get the law implemented, but the powerful lobbying efforts of large food processors and retailers have successfully delayed implementation of the law," commented Beer.

"The largest coalition of producers and consumers in history came together in 2002 to get meaningful food labeling legislation passed," she continued. "Globalization and outsourcing of food are increasing dramatically while we wait for Congress to implement the law. As imports increase so do the risks associated with our food supply. The contaminants found in imported wheat gluten are hard evidence of the need for food labeling. Today, more than 20 percent of beef consumed in America is imported from foreign nations and 80% of the shrimp consumed in the U.S. is also imported. USCA urges U.S. consumer and producers to send a clear message to Congress that we must have meaningful country of origin food labeling now."

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to assembling a team to concentrate efforts in Washington, DC to enhance and expand the cattle industry’s voice on Capitol Hill.

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to assembling a team to concentrate efforts in Washington D.C. to enhance and expand the cattle industry's voice on Capitol Hill. For membership forms and other information visit www.uscattlemen.org.