Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven has joined efforts to introduce the American Beef Labeling Act, a legislative proposal aiming to reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. The legislation is spearheaded by Senators John Thune and Cory Booker.

The proposed act mandates that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), devise a plan compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) standards to reintroduce MCOOL for beef within one year of the bill's enactment. The USTR would have six months to formulate this plan and another six months to implement it. Should the USTR fail to reinstate MCOOL within the stipulated timeframe, it would be automatically reinstated.

“U.S. ranchers produce the highest-quality beef in the world, and consumers deserve to know the source of the product they are purchasing,” said Hoeven. “By requiring the U.S. Trade Representative to reinstate mandatory country of origin labels for beef, with timelines to ensure compliance, our legislation will benefit both U.S. producers and consumers.”

Senator Thune emphasized fairness for South Dakota ranchers: “South Dakota ranchers – who work tirelessly to produce some of the highest quality beef in the world – deserve a fair labeling system that provides consumers with basic information on the origin of their beef.” He added his support for MCOOL as a means to enhance transparency and promote cattle ranching viability across America.

Booker highlighted consumer awareness: “This bipartisan legislation will help Americans know exactly where their beef is coming from,” he stated, criticizing large meatpackers for misleading practices and advocating for increased transparency.

The bill is also supported by Senators Mike Rounds, Martin Heinrich, Cynthia Lummis, and John Fetterman.