The proposed rule with new regulatory requirements aims to better align the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim with consumer understanding of what it means.

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USDA food labels
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service proposed new requirements for Made in the USA or Product of the USA label.Image courtesy of iStock/Getty Images

Under the USDA, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)  just released a proposed rule with new regulatory requirements to better align the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim with consumer understanding of what the claim means. 

The rule would allow the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on meat, poultry, and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the US.

Because this is voluntary, under the proposal establishments would not need to include these claims on the label; but if they chose to include them, they would need to meet the requirements in this rule.

As of now, FSIS considers certain labels that comply with the Agency's labeling rules to be “generically” approved. Such labels are not submitted to FSIS, because they are deemed approved if they bear all applicable mandatory labeling features and are not false or misleading, and may be applied to product in commerce, provided that supporting documentation for any information on the label is part of the labeling record. 

The proposed rule delivers on a key action in President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, and a commitment made in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain. The increased clarity and transparency provided by this proposed change would prevent consumer confusion and help ensure that consumers understand where their food comes from.

“American consumers expect that when they buy a meat product at the grocery store, the claims they see on the label mean what they say,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These proposed changes are intended to provide consumers with accurate information to make informed purchasing decisions. Our action today affirms USDA’s commitment to ensuring accurate and truthful product labeling.”

To comment on this proposed rule, see the docket for more information and clear instructions on how to submit comments through the FSIS site

About the Author(s)

Powder Bulk Solids Staff

Established in 1983, Powder & Bulk Solids (PBS) serves industries that process, handle, and package dry particulate matter, including the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical markets.

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