|
 Consumer concern over knowing the origin of the food we eat led
to the passage of a popular labeling law known as Country-of-Origin
Labeling (COOL) in 2008, a law that is now in danger of being struck
down, warns Illinois Farmers Union President Norbert Brauer in a
recent State Journal-Record op-ed.
“Your winter coat, your favorite t-shirt, your kitchen appliances
and the replacement parts for your car. What do all of these items
have in common? Look carefully and you’ll find that each and every
one of these items sports a label identifying the country that it
came from,” notes Brauer.
Brauer notes that despite its strong consumer support, the U.S.
House of Representatives voted to repeal Country-of-Origin Labeling
(COOL), the popular food labeling law that mandates muscle cuts of
meat, nuts, and fruits and vegetables sold at retail must be labeled
with the country’s name where it was produced.
“Why? COOL had many adversaries, including our chief trade
competitors, Canada and Mexico, as well as the deep-pocketed
multinational meat industry,” he explains.
“According to a May 2013 public opinion poll, the COOL labeling law
enjoys over 90 percent support among consumers. And I can tell you
firsthand as an Illinois farmer that
COOL enjoys very strong support in farm country,” he points out.
Brauer points out that consumers increasingly want to know that the
meat they put on their tables – and feed their children - was raised
in a humane environment, and that the meat enjoyed the strict
inspection process of the U.S. Also, many consumers like the idea of
buying American, which not only supports our own farmers and rural
America, but also keeps the money in the U.S.
[to top of second column] |
“Producers in Illinois happily embraced COOL because we are among
the most productive farmers and ranchers in the world, raising the
most affordable and safest products on the market,” he said.
“Quite honestly, we’re extremely proud to walk into a supermarket
and see a meat case full of ‘Product of the U.S.’ labels.”
“Thankfully, a bill has been introduced in the Senate that, if
enacted, should resolve the dispute at the WTO,” said Brauer.
“The bill would make COOL voluntary for beef and pork and should
appease the WTO. And while Illinois Farmers Union has fought for
mandatory labeling for years, this bill would advance the current
stalemate and ensure that food labeling remains on the books.”
“Let’s stand strong behind the Senate compromise and preserve food
labeling for America’s consumers.”
[By
Rob Davies]
Click here to respond to the editor about this
article.
 |
