Legislation that calls for reinstatement of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. The measure, the American Beef Labeling Act is being carried by South Dakota Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds with several co-sponsors. South Dakota Stock Grower’s Association Vice President Les Shaw says this has been one of his group’s priorities for some time. He thinks this bill can withstand any trade challenges that caused the original COOL law to be thrown out.
He says it only makes sense for the U.S.. to have their own labeling law as other countries have theirs in place.
Shaw says he’s hearing good bi-partisan support for the American Beef Labeling Act as well as backing from consumers which should help its chances for passage.
Shaw says the impacts of the COVID pandemic have brought more consumers out in favor of this measure as that caused some food glitches with shutdowns and pull backs at processing plants.
