Country of origin labeling
In 2009, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture issued Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) rules.
The COOL regulations require food manufacturers and grocery stores to comply with country of origin labeling for fresh meat and fish, single-ingredient fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, peanuts, pecans and macadamia nuts.
While the new COOL rules are a significant improvement over previous labeling requirements, PCC and other consumer advocates want several loopholes closed. The definition of “processed” foods exempts mixed salad greens, cured meats, roasted nuts (peanuts, pecans and macadamias), breaded fish fillets, and mixed frozen vegetables with two ingredients or more.
PCC advocated stronger COOL legislation for years (see our public policy statements here and here and voluntarily complied with COOL standards long before it was mandatory.