The meat industry strongly opposes such country of origin labeling (COOL), which was mandated by the 2002 Farm bill, claiming it would be costly and disruptive. The requirements were instituted to help consumers identify American-made products and have been seen as increasingly important due to the recent discovery of mad cow disease in Canada.
Rep. Henry Bonilla (R-TX), chairman of the House Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee, tacked on the provision to the FY 2004 agriculture appropriations bill, claiming, “Country of Origin Labeling could be disastrous to our meat industry.” Bonilla’s rider targets only meat and meat products, although the COOL requirements, which are set to take effect in September of 2004, apply to seafood, produce and peanuts as well.
After the committee approved the bill, which now goes to the House floor for approval, Bonilla announced that the House Agriculture Committee would convene hearings on COOL involving industry retailers, processors, and producers, beginning June 26, 2003.