USDA finalizes reforms for “Made in the USA” labels on meat, poultry

USA – The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has finalized the amendments of country-of-origin product labels, aiming to bring clarity to consumers and eliminate confusion surrounding ‘Product of USA’ and ‘Made in the USA’ labels for meat, poultry, and eggs.

The changes, set to be effective by January 1, 2026, restrict the use of labels claiming US origin to products “derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered, and processed” within the country.

Previously, such labels were permitted on products from animals imported to the US and slaughtered locally, as well as on imported meat that had undergone repackaging or further processing in the country.

The USDA encouraged early compliance with the new rules, emphasizing that the final rule ensures the authenticity of the ‘Product of USA’ label, assuring consumers that every step in the production process occurred within the United States.

According to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, the final rule in building consumer trust is a vital step toward consumer protection and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to bolster trust and fairness in the marketplace where smaller processors can compete.

“While the labels remain voluntary, they must be pre-approved by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and supported by trace documentation,” he noted.

In addition, he highlighted that the rule changes also permit other voluntary US-origin claims on these products, provided that suppliers include a description on the package detailing the local preparation and processing steps.

Farm Action, a US organization advocating for fairness in the meat sector, applauded the new rules, stating it had pressed for a reform of the labelling system for six years to counter fraudulent practices by multinational meatpacking corporations.

Angela Huffman, President and Co-founder of Farm Action, expressed gratitude to those who supported the initiative, including President Biden, and commended the USDA for implementing this critical reform.

Meanwhile, Secretary Vilsack has announced a financing package for small meat and poultry processors, allocating US$9.5 million in grants to 42 projects under the Local Meat Capacity program.

These grants will support simplified equipment projects, such as meat grinders, stuffers, and smokers, aiming to enhance local processing infrastructure and boost competition in the industry.

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