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Ranchers Push For Labels On Origin Of Beef
CBS 4 Denver
Jul 2, 2007 10:48 pm US/Mountain
(CBS) SAN FRANCISCO From toxic pet food, to tainted seafood, American shoppers are paying a lot more attention to where food comes from. But knowing the source of what you eat isn't always easy.
Alan Chen can't remember the last time he saw a "Country of Origin" label saying where his seafood, produce or meat was from.
"Personally I'd buy food that's labeled over food that's not labeled," Chen said.
He didn't know a 2002 Farm Bill requires large retailers place labels on perishable foods.
They're common on fruits and vegetables.
We found them on frozen seafood and even stamped on bags of Chinese dace fish found in a Hayward Market.
The FDA recently blocked this imported fish to test for potential toxins.
But beef purchased at two different large retailers did not come with labels noting where the cows came from.
Many cattle ranchers are pushing for labels. Distributors and meatpackers oppose them; arguing labels are a way for American ranchers to imply cheaper foreign competitors offer an inferior product. Grocery stores oppose them because of the costs associated with labeling products. All have powerful lobbies.
The labeling requirement for meat has been delayed twice.
However, Congressional Agriculture committees will discuss the food labeling issue in the coming months. In the meantime, Steve McCarthy with Prather Ranch will continue to label his products even though his small market is exempt from federal rules.
"Create the legislation and push the law forward," Prather said. "Give consumers the chance to make an informed decision. What's so hard about that?"
cbs4denver.com
CBS 4 Denver
Jul 2, 2007 10:48 pm US/Mountain
(CBS) SAN FRANCISCO From toxic pet food, to tainted seafood, American shoppers are paying a lot more attention to where food comes from. But knowing the source of what you eat isn't always easy.
Alan Chen can't remember the last time he saw a "Country of Origin" label saying where his seafood, produce or meat was from.
"Personally I'd buy food that's labeled over food that's not labeled," Chen said.
He didn't know a 2002 Farm Bill requires large retailers place labels on perishable foods.
They're common on fruits and vegetables.
We found them on frozen seafood and even stamped on bags of Chinese dace fish found in a Hayward Market.
The FDA recently blocked this imported fish to test for potential toxins.
But beef purchased at two different large retailers did not come with labels noting where the cows came from.
Many cattle ranchers are pushing for labels. Distributors and meatpackers oppose them; arguing labels are a way for American ranchers to imply cheaper foreign competitors offer an inferior product. Grocery stores oppose them because of the costs associated with labeling products. All have powerful lobbies.
The labeling requirement for meat has been delayed twice.
However, Congressional Agriculture committees will discuss the food labeling issue in the coming months. In the meantime, Steve McCarthy with Prather Ranch will continue to label his products even though his small market is exempt from federal rules.
"Create the legislation and push the law forward," Prather said. "Give consumers the chance to make an informed decision. What's so hard about that?"
cbs4denver.com