South Dakota Pushes Mandatory Beef Origin Labels

Download IPFS

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. Lawmakers from South Dakota are advocating for a return to Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef, aiming to increase transparency for American consumers and support domestic cattle producers.

Meat processors adhered to MCOOL standards for over a decade before the policy was repealed in 2015. Since then, Congress has debated whether to reinstate the requirement, which would clearly identify the origin of beef products sold in grocery stores.

Senator Mike Rounds emphasized the importance of informing consumers about the source of their beef. “There’s a larger group that thinks anything we can do to make American consumers aware of what is American beef versus beef being brought from other countries will identify just how high-quality ours is. So, whatever we can do to get it across the finish line is a value to our consumers,” he said.

Representative Dusty Johnson highlighted the need for transparency while cautioning against potential trade repercussions. “American consumers and American cattle producers deserve more transparency around where this beef is coming from. There is a good legal way to do it, and then there is a way that would open us up to retaliatory tariffs that could impose a pretty substantial cost on American agriculture. So, by all means, yes, let’s get better labeling, more transparency, let’s make sure we’re doing it the right way,” he stated.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted that the effort coincides with work on the long-overdue federal farm bill. “The last two years we didn’t have a farm bill, so if we can at least get one considered in the ag committee, that will give us a chance to give our arguments, have the debate, and see where the votes are,” Thune explained.

The farm bill, which requires bipartisan support, is seen as a critical vehicle for implementing any changes to labeling regulations. Thune acknowledged that while success is not guaranteed, the current political landscape, with a Republican majority in Congress, offers a stronger chance of progress than in recent years.

Supporters argue that mandatory labeling could boost confidence in American beef, differentiate domestic products from imports, and support local agriculture. Critics have raised concerns about potential international trade conflicts and the associated economic impact, though lawmakers stress careful implementation could mitigate such risks.

Reinstating MCOOL could mark a significant shift in consumer information standards, giving shoppers clear knowledge about the origin of their beef while reinforcing the value of American agricultural products. As Congress considers the measure, South Dakota lawmakers continue to advocate for transparency, highlighting the benefits for both consumers and domestic producers.