The USDA announced updated guidelines on September 3, 2024, aimed at strengthening documentation for animal-raising and environment-related claims on meat and poultry labels. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness for both farmers and consumers in the labeling process. The new guidelines encourage third-party certification for claims made on labels, ensuring that consumers can trust the information provided. Notably, negative antibiotic claims must now be backed by routine testing or certification, as a recent study revealed that antibiotic residues were found in 20% of samples labeled 'Raised Without Antibiotics.' The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will enforce actions against misleading claims and may conduct random sampling to ensure compliance. These updates come at a time when livestock groups are advocating for the reinstatement of mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) for meat products in the upcoming farm bill, which is set to expire in September 2024. The COOL requirement was previously repealed in 2015 following a WTO ruling, leading to concerns about transparency in the meat industry. Livestock groups argue that clear labeling would promote competition and consumer awareness in a market dominated by a few large processors. Additionally, bipartisan efforts are underway with the introduction of the American Consumer Awareness of National Source (CANS) Act, which seeks to require clear labeling of canned fruits and vegetables, further emphasizing the push for transparency in food labeling across various sectors. [f34794fd] [422a704b] [edaf0792] [5afe5ea1] [3f95b406]