US representative leads house bill to reinstate MCOOL
Dusty Johnson represents South Dakota
22 August 2023
2 minute read
By: US Representative Dusty Johnson introduced the Beef Origin Labelling Accountability Act to bring clarity and to reinstate mandatory country of origin labelling (MCOOL) for beef products, according to a press release.
“Consumers don’t know where their beef comes from. It could be South Dakota, Brazil, or Canada,” said Johnson. “US producers raise better beef, and they’re not getting the credit for it. My bill takes a step in the right direction to get accurate labels back on these products to increase consumer confidence in American-made and grown products.”
The Beef Origin Labeling Accountability Act:
- Directs the United States Trade Representative and Secretary of Agriculture to work together to determine a process of reinstating Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef that is compliant with World Trade Organization rules.
- Requires the two agencies report to Congress on their progress in determining a trade-compliant means of MCOOL, including any recommendations for legislation that may be necessary and any engagement with international governments on the matter.
- Directs the USTR to enter into consultations with the Canadian and Mexican governments to resolve the outstanding MCOOL trade disputes the two countries have open against the US.
Johnson has been a leader on cattle policy during his time in the US House. In 2023, Johnson's Cattle Contract Library was implemented by the US Department of Agriculture to increase transparency in the market. Additionally, in 2021, Johnson successfully secured a pilot program to supply grants to small cattle processors to expand competition in the packing industry.
