BEEF NEWS/NATIONAL CATTLEMEN'S BEEF ASSOCIATION AUDIO INTERVIEW

Tuesday, July 29, 2008.

"Revamped Country of Origin Labeling Holds Promise for Producers: Woodall"

( Colin (CALL un) Woodall is executive director for legislative affairs for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association in Washington, D.C.)
 
On Monday an interim final rule for Country of Origin Labeling was published in the Federal Register. Originally part of the 2002 Farm Bill, implementation issues held it up and groups like the National Cattlemen's Beef Association have been working to make sure the law makes the most sense for cattlemen.

NCBA's Colin Woodall says Monday's rule runs 233 pages, and everyone is carefully looking it over to make sure it captures what is needed for the industry.

Cut  #1:       :21        Out cue: "… of origin labeling."

According to Woodall, the biggest issue in the original document was the amount of documentation needed by producers.

Cut  #2:       :15        Out cue: "… much of a burden."

Another of the big issues is the fact that beef going to restaurants and other foodservice establishments is exempt.

Cut  #3:       :26        Out cue: "…half of the time."

Woodall says that among the biggest fallacies of the labeling rule is that it has something to do with food safety.

Cut  #4:       :29        Out cue: "…beef supply safe."

The newest implementation rules for Country of Origin Labeling appear to offer more flexibility for producers. That, says Woodall, is a requirement for cattle producers who have no choice but to participate in the mandatory program.

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