Food Labeling Law to Take Effect

October 2008

Recent food poisoning scares, such as melamine-contaminated products from China and Mexican peppers linked to salmonella poisoning, have many people concerned about the safety of imported foods. Until now, shoppers have had little information about where the food they purchase comes from, but a new country of origin labeling (COOL) law may make that information available.

Under the COOL law, most food retailers will have to disclose where many types of meat, produce, and other food products come from. Advocates for the new measure say that consumers have a right to know where their food is produced, especially in light of recent food safety worries and environmental concerns about shipping from afar.

Experts expect there to be some confusion about which foods must be labeled under the new rules, however. For example, a number of products that fall under the labeling requirement but are considered to be processed are excluded, including bacon, roasted peanuts, and breaded chicken. This exemption for processed foods also means that foods that are mixed together do not have to be labeled, such as a bag of mixed lettuce. Retailers have six months to make sure they understand the regulations and come into compliance.