COOL new food labels display country of origin

Going grocery shopping today? You may notice a change in your supermarket’s meat aisle. As of September 30, 2008, federal law requires fresh meat, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables, peanuts and certain nuts to display a label that tells you the country of origin (COOL) of the product.

Mandatory COOL for meats, fish, produce, and peanuts became law in the U.S. in 2002, but industry pressured Congress to delay implementation for everything but seafood until now.

As reported on our Health blog, COOL's full implementation is a big step forward for food safety-conscious people. A Consumer Reports poll released last year found that 92 percent of Americans agree that imported foods should be labeled by their country of origin.

"This is a long-awaited change and we think it will be a great benefit for consumers," said Jean Halloran, Director of Food Policy Initiatives for Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports. "If a food safety problem is identified in a particular imported product, as happened with jalapeño and serrano peppers from Mexico earlier this year, then consumers will be able to avoid that product."

"On the other hand," Halloran adds. "Some people like to buy certain imported products, like New Zealand lamb or Holland tomatoes. Still others just want to buy local produce. Either way, the new labels will give consumers important new information."

There are exemptions, however, which concern Consumers Union. Meat, poultry, and fish sold in small markets don’t have to be labeled, nor do processed foods such as imported ham or roasted peanuts, or mixtures, such as frozen vegetables or trail mix. Here's a guide to the new rules that you can print out and take to the supermarket.

Comments

[JT]

The 'Stymied Customer' above got it right. I bought a chuck roast at a local super market that was labeled "United States/Canada/Mexico. The meat manager didn't have a clue where it came from. The 'COOL' is not so cool.

[Lambert L. Russell]

you are right no body cares anymore only for the bottom line.
We have a long ways to go, but this report is a step in the right direction.
Thanks for allowing my commentary!

[RG Caplett]

Thanks to CU for providing us the Cool Tool. Issues like this can really open a can of worms (e. g., our government is broke . . . in all senses of the word). It's wrong that we citizens must decipher the meaning of laws. Perhaps organizations like CU should consider bribing our "representatives" to pass legislation for the common good.

[Sarah Studstill]

Just label me another "STYMIED in the USA"!

Our store,a large interstate chain, is also labeling meat that seems to be globe-trotting, find the COOL - is it Mexico, US or Canada?

Does this new regulation give us "Multiple Choice?"

I'm not buying any labeled as such - maybe they will get the hint if enough raw meat is left in the case!

Remember tho, if they cook it or put in any prepared dishes, don't buy - as then it doesn't have to be labeled!

Looks like we're still on our own out there!

[Gene]

If you're looking for organic beans made in the USA stick with Eden Foods. The other popular brand mixes US with Chinese. The higher price is worth it. Also it's the only brand with very low sodium and tastes great.

[Stymied Consumer]

Not so "cool" labels - the meat at my supermarket is labeled 'UNITED STATES CANADA MEXICO.' At least it's not from China, but I don't want meat from Mexico, so the new labels are useless for me.

[sheree]

This is a small step in the right direction, but what I and many other people I know really want on the labels is cloning info.

[educated consumer]

Unfortunately though, the regulations also state that if an item is within a certain percentage made/packaged/processed a country can claim origin, such as a food item processed in china but packaged in U.S. or Canada for that matter , the U.S. can claim this item as it's own. Such as Canned apple juice. Processed in China but packaged in U.S.therefore a U.S. product.... these new regulations are only the tip of the iceberg . Labeling should really include, grown in:, Processed in:, and Packaged in: product of:

[everett whitney]

CHINA -

Unfortunately, from the very beginning of the "COOL" label regulations, those within the Food Industry strictly inside the USA have protested every possible way .. i.e. - essentially any bean product has an exception such that nearly 95 % will Not have to have these labels !

So many have become addicted on massive profit items ... buy in China for pennies but still sell it in the USA for massive markups, etc. - that there's little chance of ever getting our priorities turned around!

I.E. - the quarter million G.E. Toasters .. produced for pennies / sold @ $20-$28 here !!! The tire stems installed on new Fords at the car factory to "save" 50 cents, etc..! No one cares anymore ... just their own bottom line.

[Amrendra]

Ya of course, since food products are most sensitive items to be consumed it should always be handled with strict regulation

[Karen]

I'm glad to see more rules regarding food labeling. I've wondered what the rules are when it comes to food-- mostly processed-- after realizing the canned black beans I bought were from China and the organic peas with the local company's packaging were actually from New Zealand. Bottles of honey will say made with honey from U.S., Argentina and Mexico. No thanks. I will just buy USA honey. Just looking for Country of Origin information on labels adds to the time it takes to do ther grocery shopping.