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USDA issues rule to clarify ‘Product of USA’ label

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Aiming to assist consumers in purchasing American-made groceries, the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced a new federal rule on Monday targeting meats, eggs, and poultry. Only products derived from animals born and raised in the United States can bear the labels “Made in the USA” or “Product of USA.”

Under the current system, companies have been able to apply these labels to meats imported from other countries. While the use of these labels remains voluntary, the new regulation seeks to bolster consumer confidence in the “Made in the USA” designation, ensuring that such claims on meats, eggs, and poultry are genuinely reflective of American sourcing.

“Today’s announcement 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,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This final rule will ensure that when consumers see ‘Product of USA’ they can trust the authenticity of that label and know that every step involved, from birth to processing, was done here in America.”

The USDA is also distributing $9.5 million across 42 projects through the Local Meat Capacity (Local MCap) grant program, focusing on simple equipment projects to enhance local meat and poultry processing. Announced in April 2023, Local MCap, part of a $1 billion initiative to strengthen the meat supply chain, offers up to $75 million for projects that increase processing options and market potential for producers.

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[Karah Rucker]

FINALLY THIS MORNING – IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO BUY GROCERIES THAT ARE MADE IN AMERICA – A NEW FEDERAL RULE IS HOPING TO MAKE IT EASIER TO DO JUST THAT – AT LEAST WHEN IT COMES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS.

THE US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCED MONDAY THAT PRODUCERS OF MEATS, EGGS AND POULTRY CAN ONLY USE THE LABELS “MADE IN THE USA” OR “PRODUCT OF THE USA” IF THE PRODUCTS ARE DERIVED FROM ANIMALS WHO WERE BORN AND RAISED IN AMERICA.

CURRENTLY – COMPANIES CAN USE THE LABELS ON MEATS THAT WERE IMPORTED FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.

THE LABELS ARE VOLUNTARY AND WILL REMAIN THAT WAY.

BUT FOR COMPANIES WHO USE THEM — THE USDA SAYS THIS NEW RULE WILL ENSURE SHOPPERS CAN TRUST THE “MADE IN THE USA” CLAIMS.