U.S. Cattlemen Praise Tyson and Cargill for Decision on COOL Compliance

"Three days after Tyson Fresh Meats notified interested parties of its plan to follow the intent of the mandatory country of origin labeling law, Cargill Meat Solutions followed suit. In a letter to its customers, Tyson recognized that 90 percent of all fresh retail beef and pork cuts meet the criteria for a USA label and would qualify for the label as spelled out in the language of the law.

"This is the right decision and U.S. Cattlemen’s Association appreciates the companies’ actions to comply with the intent and purpose of the COOL law, which is to provide consumers with truth in labeling.

"Despite the clear language in the law, several weeks ago meat packers alluded to the use of the multiple countries label in order to circumvent the law. This was an unacceptable decision and denied the will of Congress. USCA has worked with other organizations to resolve this issue and we deeply appreciate the leadership by National Farmers Union on the matter.

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made clear that it does not intend to fully enforce the law until April of 2009. However, the agency is promoting what is being called ‘educational compliance’ during the six month period following enactment of the law on October 1, 2008. It is very important that the industry uses this six month time frame to work out the details of implementation of the labeling law, and I believe the decision made by Tyson and Cargill are evidence that real progress is being made.

"USCA now calls on JBS Swift & Company and National Beef Packing Company to follow the lead of Tyson and Cargill to comply. This step would mean that the four largest U.S. beef packers are committed to full compliance. Since the four largest packers control more than 80 percent of the U.S. slaughter, this will ensure that a majority of beef products will receive a meaningful, truthful label of origin.

"USCA will not rest until the COOL program is working in compliance with the law and functioning the way Congress, cattle producers and consumers intended.

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to concentrating its efforts in Washington, DC to enhance and expand the cattle industry’s voice on Capitol Hill. USCA has a full-time presence in Washington, giving cattle producers across the country a strong influence on policy development. For more information go to www.uscattlemen.org.