PRESS :: Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2003

Re "Federal Law on Labeling Pricey," Other View

American consumers deserve to know where the food they eat is grown. "Country of origin labeling" (COOL) will strengthen consumer confidence and improve food safety. The law should be allowed to go into effect, rather than repealed, as The Bee seems to suggest.

California farmers are proud of the fruits of their labors. COOL allows consumers to choose whether to buy domestic or foreign meat, fruits and vegetables. Since country of origin labels are not currently required, we cannot find out where our food comes from. Choice is a vital component of the free market system, especially in these days of Mad Cow Disease and E. coli scares.

Almost all US trading partners, including Canada and Mexico, already have COOL requirements to reduce the risk and cost of food contamination incidents. USDA projections mentioned by The Bee exaggerate the costs of labeling. The experience of several states including Florida, which has required these labels since 1979, shows that labeling can be implemented with very minimal costs.

I urge concerned citizens to express their views at the USDA Listening Session June 12, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Central Valley Auditorium in the Joe Serna Jr. Building, 1001 I St., Sacramento.

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