Senator John Thune, US Senator for South Dakota | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senator John Thune, US Senator for South Dakota | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Cory Booker have reintroduced the American Beef Labeling Act. This legislation aims to reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef, a requirement that was previously removed. The bill mandates that the U.S. Trade Representative, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, develop a World Trade Organization-compliant method to reinstate MCOOL within one year of enactment.
The plan allows six months for development and another six months for implementation. If these deadlines are not met, MCOOL will automatically be reinstated for beef only.
Thune expressed support for South Dakota ranchers by stating, "South Dakota ranchers – who work tirelessly to produce some of the highest quality beef in the world – deserve a fair labeling system that provides consumers with basic information on the origin of their beef." He added that he is proud to reintroduce this legislation which promotes cattle ranching viability and transparency for consumers.
Booker emphasized consumer awareness: “This bipartisan legislation will help Americans know exactly where their beef is coming from.” He criticized big meatpackers for misleading labels and stressed transparency's role in supporting local farmers and ranchers.
Doug Sombke from the South Dakota Farmers Union supported MCOOL as necessary both for consumers' knowledge about food origins and producers' investments in high-quality meat production. He thanked Thune for his efforts to ensure fair markets.
Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA, praised Thune’s support, saying it brings needed transparency by informing consumers about where their purchased beef was produced and under which safety standards.
Justin Tupper from the United States Cattlemen’s Association also commended Thune's leadership on restoring truthful labeling as crucial for marketplace transparency.
The bill has additional cosponsors including Senators Mike Rounds, Martin Heinrich, Cynthia Lummis, John Fetterman, and John Hoeven.
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