Federal law requires country-of-origin labels on imported products—except meat, produce and seafood.
Despite the recent green-onion contamination from Mexico that caused hepatitis outbreaks in America, Congress is cool to COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) for munchies.
COOL—part of the 2002 Farm Bill—in September would require mandatory labeling of imported edibles.
Pressure from retailers and meat packers, however, has buried a two-year COOL delay in the $360-billion pork barrel up for consideration this week by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Dubya Administration believes the cost of labels would increase prices of food.
Oh yeah? What about the cost of medical care for treatment of patients with imported diseases? (14 DECEMBER 2003)
