09/25/08 COOL Labeling

The U.S. has just taken its first step towards much needed food traceability with the new federal law starting September 30th that requires food manufacturers and grocery stores to have "Country of Origin Labeling," on beef, pork, chicken and lamb. Whether it's a "baby" step or a "giant" step forward remains to be seen. The new COOL labels will tell consumers whether their food originated in the U.S. or another country. The law will also include perishable items, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and a variety of nuts. Consumers will now be able to make more knowledgeable choices as to which foods they put on their table; unlike in the past where knowing where a food product came from was usually anyone's best guess. Several food safety groups are complaining, (which comes as no surprise), that the law was defined as narrowly as possible by the USDA. What is truly important here is that the U.S. has taken that important first step towards a more informed and protected consumer, which makes for a happier and healthier consumer.