Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and Livestock Producers

The COOL (country of origin labeling) law is federal regulation that requires any person or entity that supplies a COOL covered commodity to food retailers, such as supermarkets, club warehouses, and grocery stores, to provide country-of-origin labeling for consumers. Commodities include certain meat, fish, and shellfish products and cuts; fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables; ginseng; peanuts; and two nuts (pecans and macadamias). This eleven-page publication updates the 2008 edition of this complex legal requirement. Along with a brief historical survey of the COOL legislative process and its effect on international trade, learn how to track and provide documentation regarding the country of origin of your livestock. Handy tools, like affidavit/declaration and recordkeeping forms, provide practical guidance so you can more easily track your herds/flock and maintain compliance.