Country of Origin labeling (COOL) is a result of a long industry and government dialogue on the value and role of source labeling in US food markets. This series of articles explores the operational and political aspects of COOL implementation for some major food sectors.

This article highlights selected legal and regulatory requirements for USDA’s mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) program. The requirements became effective Sept. 30, 2008 after the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 made changes in previous COOL legislation.

The implementation of country of origin labeling (COOL) in the beef industry has been highly controversial. COOL is a challenge to implement in an industry as complex as the beef industry. The costs and benefits of COOL and the impact of COOL on the beef industry are not yet known.

Mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) of pork and other meat products has now enjoyed a long and controversial life in spite of its only being legally in force since Sept. 30, 2008. This paper discusses the key drivers of MCOOL as it relates to the U.S. pork industry and investigates key challenges to implementing MCOOL for pork products.

Country–of–origin labeling for fruits and vegetables was included in the 2002 Farm Bill but was delayed because of uncertainties surrounding the cost of implementation and the lack of perceived benefits. The 2008 Farm Bill called for restrictions on penalties for noncompliance and limitations on recordkeeping requirements. An outreach and education program of the USDA is also helping the industry to implement this program.