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Agricultural Marketing Service
 
Country of Origin Labeling  
Country of Origin Labeling 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.

Final Rule

 
  • § 60.132 Waters of the United States – Appendix A - PDF

 
Spotlights

 

 
Guidance Documents

 
  • COOL Final Rule Presentation – PPS
  • Summary of Changes: Final Rule January 15, 2009 - PDF

 

 
  • Abbreviations Guidance - PDF

 
  • Talking Points – PDF
  • Questions and Answers – PDF
  • Labeling Options – PDF

 
  • Supplier Brochure – PDF
  • Retailer Brochure – PDF

 

 
Contact Us

 
Julie Henderson
Director
Country of Origin Labeling Division
USDA-AMS, Livestock and Seed Program
Room 2620-S, Stop 0216
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-0216
(202) 720-4486 (phone)
(202) 260-8369 (Fax)

 
Laws Rules and Policies
 
  FSIS Labeling Approval Regulations for COOL Meat and Poultry Products - PDF file - March 20, 2009  
 
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  Last Modified Date: 04/09/2012