U.S. Cattlemen Commend Ag Secretary for Enhancement of COOL Rule

Secretary Vilsack announced on February 20 that the COOL Final Rule published by the Bush Administration will go into effect as planned on March 16 but warned that if the industry is not responsive to the expectations of Congress he will initiate a new rule making process.

In a letter to the meat processing industry, Secretary Vilsack expressed his concerns regarding the labeling of product of mixed origins, the vast number of products exempted under the agency’s definition of "processed products", and the time allowances for labeling ground meat products.

"The Department of Agriculture will be closely reviewing industry compliance with the regulation and its performance in relation to these suggestions for voluntary action," wrote Vilsack. "Depending on this performance, I will carefully consider whether modifications to the rule will be necessary to achieve the intent of Congress."

USCA President Jon Wooster said the Secretary’s action sends a strong signal. "This is a reasonable and logical approach to resolving the loopholes in the COOL Final Rule," commented Wooster. "We now know what the agency’s expectations are and what the consequences will be if the processing industry does not comply. USCA will closely monitor COOL’s implementation and we will not hesitate at all to urge Secretary Vilsack to initiate a new rule making process if it becomes necessary. We commend the Secretary for this action and we look forward to working with him to see that a meat labeling program is put into place that serves the best interests of the consuming public and the beef cattle industry."

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.