Another Southeast Meat Company Puts "Product of USA" on the Label
More meat processors are adopting USDA's Product of USA label, including companies with ties to the Southeast.
In an October 30th announcement, USDA identified eight additional companies adopting the voluntary label, bringing nationwide participation to more than 30.
Georgia's FPL Food and Claxton Poultry are already listed as participants. Strauss Brands, listed by USDA under South Carolina, is among the latest additions.
So what does that label actually tell consumers?
For beef to carry the Product of USA claim, the animal must have been born, raised, slaughtered, and processed entirely in the United States.
Previously, some imported meat could carry that claim after being processed domestically.
The rules were finalized in 2024. Since January, companies using the label have had to meet the stricter standards.
Using the label remains voluntary, but companies must keep records supporting their claims.
For cattle producers across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, the label could help distinguish domestically raised beef from imported products.
Whether that translates into higher prices for producers remains to be seen.
