COOL FAQ: What is this all about?

From the USDA interim final rule, the first question: What is required of me?


What are the general requirements of Country of Origin Labeling?
The 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills amended the Act to require retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of beef (including veal), lamb, pork, chicken, goat, wild and farm raised fish and shellfish, perishable agricultural commodities,peanuts, pecans, ginseng, and macadamia nuts. The implementation of mandatory COOL for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish was delayed until September 30, 2008. The law defines the terms “retailer” and“perishable agricultural commodity” as having the meanings given those terms in section 1(b) of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930 (PACA)(7 U.S.C. 499 et seq.). Under PACA, a retailer is any person engaged in the business of selling any perishable agricultural commodity at retail. Retailers are required to be licensed when the invoice cost of all purchases of perishable agricultural commodities exceeds
$230,000 during a calendar year. The term perishable agricultural commodity means fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. Food service establishments are specifically exempted as are covered commodities that are ingredients in a processed food item. In addition, the law specifically outlines the criteria a covered commodity must meet to bear a “United States country of origin” designation.