China and Mexico are complaining the Country of Origin Labeling is wrong and needs to be ended.
The complaints about the labeling is NOT coming from Americans, but, from other nations having to live up to the standards of these demands. Well, too bad. The 'Country of Origin' Labeling should not be regarded as frivolous or unnecessary.
Country of Origin Labeling (click here) is a labeling law that requires retailers, such as full-line grocery stores, supermarkets, and club warehouse stores, notify their customers with information regarding the source of certain foods. Food products, (covered commodities) contained in the law include muscle cut and ground meats: beef, veal, pork, lamb, goat, and chicken; wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish; fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables; peanuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts; and ginseng. Regulations for fish and shellfish covered commodities (7 CFR Part 60) became effective in 2005. The final rule for all covered commodities (7 CFR Part 60 and Part 65) went into effect on March 16, 2009. AMS is responsible for administration and enforcement of COOL.
The decision to eliminate Country of Origin Labeling is being done with complete disregard of the American consumer. There has been no public comment period to register the needs and demands of the people of this country.
Especially now, it appears more and more the burden for providing organic foods to consumers demanding it are up to the buyers for the individual markets. The organic food market will receive no help from the USA government.
Permits, Notifications, and Petitions (click here)
APHIS regulates the introduction (importation, interstate movement, or environmental release) of certain genetically engineered (GE) organisms. All regulated introductions of GE organisms must be authorized by APHIS under either its permitting or notification procedures.
When a developer has collected enough evidence that a GE organism poses no more of a plant pest risk than an equivalent non-GE organism, the developer may petition APHIS to determine non-regulated status for the GE organism. If the petition is approved by APHIS, the GE organism may then be introduced into the United States without any further APHIS regulatory oversight.
Each section below contains guidance, resources, application information, and status.
