What you can do about COOL

Stacia Couch — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:31:54 +0000

Today, the USDA announced its plans to publish the final text of the country of origin labeling law. Cattle producers and consumers alike remained concerned that the USDA did not close loopholes that allow retailers to label all meat, product of U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The big three packing companies–Tyson, Cargill, and JBS Swift–have all signaled their intention to follow the intent of the COOL law. These companies recently issued a memo to their packing plants requesting that the proper and accurate labels be placed on meats.

Time will tell and YOU can make the difference! Please email info@westernskiesstrategies.com if you see retailers abusing the COOL law. How can you tell? Well if you see labels or placards that say “May Contain Product from the U.S., Canada, or Mexico,” the retailer is violating the intent of the law. You need to inform the retailer that you do not appreciate its actions, request it to pass along the actual country of origin information. Email Western Skies Strategies as we are in dialogue with Congress and the USDA and working to ensure the COOL law is properly followed!

COOL Meeting with Whitehouse OMB

Jess Peterson — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:55:13 +0000

On Thursday, December 18th, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Farmers Union, and the consumer groups met with the Whitehouse Office of Management and Budget (OMB). As you may already know, the final COOL regulation is under review by OMB. USCA has received reports that this rule will be finalized and posted tomorrow night (Christmas Eve). Given that information, during our meeting we asked USDA to delay posting the final rule until the conclusion of the six-month evaluation period. There are still several lingering questions regarding packer and retailer compliance with COOL, and our group felt it was important to iron out these kinks before the rule is finalized. We delivered the September 26th COOL clarification letter that was signed by 32 Senators. This letter outlined several of the COOL issues that still need to be addressed.

Also during this meeting, USCA stated it support for the current COOL verification process and urged OMB to continue the use of allowing import markings, health papers, and affidavits.

So tune in tomorrow night if you can pull yourself away from the Christmas tree and family! Check out the USDA website regarding the status of the COOL rule, and rest assured knowing that the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association will be monitoring it!

Somewhere between boots and saddles, briefcases and taxis... » COOL

What you can do about COOL

COOL Meeting with Whitehouse OMB