January 29, 2009: The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of H.R. 2, the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. There will be roll call votes throughout the day as the Senate continues to work through amendments to the Children’s Health bill.
Press Release
of
Senator Johnson
Johnson Comments on Final COOL Rule Some improvements still needed with implementation
Contact: Julianne Fisher, 202-224-1638
Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) expressed concern today with the final rule for Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), which was published in the Federal Register yesterday. The USDA published a final rule that is similar to the interim rule, which does not entirely follow Congressional intent of the law. “While some improvements have been made, USDA clearly chose to buck Congressional intent in the rulemaking process for COOL,” Johnson said. “I introduced my first meat labeling bill sixteen years ago, and I will continue to work until this program is implemented properly,” Johnson added. Johnson’s greatest concern with the final rule is that it allows U.S. exclusive origin meat products to be labeled with meats of other countries of origin. This means that retailers do not have to separate out U.S. product when labeling bulk cases of meat. It also means that retailers may label the product with U.S. origin first, regardless of what other countries of origin are present. There are also processed products that will not be a part of the labeling program that Johnson wants included, such as seasoned meat. For instance, smoked ham or meat products that have been infused with a particular seasoning like “lemon-pepper” or “teriyaki” are not required to be labeled, according to the final rule. The rule does include some improvements over previous COOL rules. USDA has amended the definition of “lamb” within the rule to include both lamb and mutton. One common sense improvement is that producers may now visually inspect their livestock for markings for origin verification. Another positive aspect of the rule is that USDA eliminated a provision that would allow a food item that is substantially transformed in another country to be considered “U.S. origin” for labeling purposes. Consumers have a role, in addition to producers and retailers. They are encouraged to contact their local retailers, as well, to urge them to implement the program swiftly and thoroughly. “After extensive delays by USDA, COOL was intended to offer consumers more information about the products they choose to feed their family, and to offer our nation’s farmers and ranchers an opportunity to promote their product. I am hopeful that improvements to the rule will continue, and I will work with the new Administration to ensure that U.S.A.-exclusive product is labeled as such,” Johnson added. ### For more information on Senator Tim Johnson visit his website at http://johnson.senate.gov.
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