Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) informs customers of the source of certain foods. This issue has been around for a long time now (began with 2002 Farm Bill) and has always been a controversy. USDA issued a new proposed rule for meat labeling last week which has sparked a whole new set of fireworks between pro and con groups. Basically, the pro and con arguments over COOL are simple. Proponents of mandatory COOL believe labeling will provide a competitive advantage for domestically produced meat and satisfy consumer demand for source information. Opponents say mandatory COOL simply adds costs and paperwork across the production chain without providing benefit to consumers or higher prices for U.S. producers.

→ Read More