“Product of USA” Labeling Claim Survey Data Now Available

FSIS has recently announced that in response to stakeholder requests, the agency is making the underlying data from the consumer survey related to its voluntary “Product of USA” proposed rule available on Regulations.gov.  Announced on March 6, 2023, FSIS’ proposed rule outlines new regulatory requirements to better align the voluntary “Product of USA” claim with consumers’ understanding of what the claim means. FSIS also released the survey report with the announcement.

The comment period for the proposed rule opened on March 13, 2023, and expires on June 11, 2023. Public comments can be submitted at Regulations.gov.

Under current policy, the Product of USA label can be placed on meat derived from animals born and raised abroad but processed in the US.  Under a 2021 executive order, President Biden added this proposed rule change and claimed it would lead to a fairer, more competitive, and more resilient meat and poultry supply chain.  Industry groups such as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association have expressed concern over the proposed rule.  There is acknowledgement that the current labeling policy is flawed, but there is concern that simply adding “born, raised, and harvested” will not solve the issue.