To: Seafood Community
Today I received from Mr. William Session (USDA Associate Deputy
Administrator, Livestock and Seed Program) additional information
regarding the Country of Origin Labeling which I'm forwarding to you
below. When I get notification of the final rule, I will pass the
information on to you via this listserv.
Regards,
Pamela Tom
University of California, Sea Grant Extension Program
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The comment period on the proposed rule for the mandatory COOL program
closed on February 27, 2004. USDA has evaluated the comments and is
drafting the final rule at this time. We anticipate publishing the final
rule for COOL this summer.
Under the proposed rule, wild fish and shellfish harvested in the United
States or by a U.S. flag vessel and processed in the United States or
aboard a U.S. flag vessel can be labeled as "Product of USA", "Produced in
the USA" or simply "USA". As long as all of the specified processes occur
in the United States (or aboard a U.S. flag vessel), no further
information is required. Further, the proposed rule is not prescriptive
for font size or location on the label. The country of origin and method
of production information (i.e., wild or farm-raised) must be in English,
legible, and not conflict or obscure other required information.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact me if further
information is needed. Thanks,
William T. Sessions
Associate Deputy Administrator
Livestock and Seed Program
E-mail: William.Sessions@usda.gov
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