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Public Policy Resource Center
Advocacy Resource Center
Produce for Better Health Foundation
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Questions about country of origin labeling (COOL) requirements continue to surface in the industry as final passage of the 2007 Farm Bill containing reforms to COOL has been delayed until 2008. As reported this past summer, an agreement was reached among all parties in Congress for COOL reforms that will significantly reduce the burden of mandatory labeling on produce suppliers and retailers. But, since these changes are not yet final, some retailers have recently sent letters to suppliers related to the September 30, 2008 implementation date of the 2002 law. “We advise all of our members that changes to COOL are still likely, and while suppliers should be planning ahead for adding COO to PLU stickers and packaging where possible, specific new supply chain requirements and costs should be deferred as long as possible pending completion of the Farm Bill,” said United Fresh Senior Vice President Robert Guenther. In addition, some retailer letters have asked about “method of production” for labeling. “These requests to produce suppliers seem to be in error as they are likely referring to the “farm-raised” or “wild-caught” provisions of COOL only applicable to seafood labeling,” Robert said. Any retailers or produce suppliers with questions about the status of COOL regulations are invited to contact Robert , 202-303-3409.
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