In this paper I will be discussing the topic of what country of origin labeling is and how it affects both the cost of retail beef and the direct benefit to the producers. The Country of Origin Labeling also known as COOL is defined according to the United States Department of Agriculture (n.d.) as “a labeling law that requires retailers, such as full-line grocery stores, supermarkets and club warehouse stores, to notify their customers with information regarding the source of certain foods” (“Country of Origin Labeling,” n.d.). While country of origin labeling laws are beneficial to knowing where your food was born, raised and then slaughtered at, is it really worth all the time and money? Overview Country of origin labeling finally went into effect on March 16, 2009. …show more content…
Producers have to keep veterinary records and calf books and other standard business documents that can serve as proof of origin of where the cattle originated. (“National Cattlemen’s Beef Association,” n.d.) Although this seems like a lot of extra work, it is basic care and paperwork that the producers should have. On the contrary if the producers participate in a program called National Animal Identification System it automatically saves all the information that is needed for the country of origin labeling regulations. (“National Cattlemen’s Beef Association,” n.d.) Throughout everything the producers are not regulated by country of origin labeling under any circumstances. However, when the producers sell the cattle to packers they will require the paperwork to verify origin of the cattle before purchase. (“National Cattlemen’s Beef Association,” n.d.) Eventually the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association developed a standardized affidavit that can be used to verify origin throughout the cattle market, from conception to consumer (“National Cattlemen’s Beef Association,”