USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service will be able to levy civil penalties against violators of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting rule and Country of Origin Labeling requirements. The action extends the current rules of practice under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, to include LMR and COOL violations.

When someone fails to meet the LMR reporting requirements it impacts the ability of AMS to publish timely and reliable livestock information that the industry relies upon. The COOL program ensures consumers have information regarding the origin of many foods available in the marketplace.

Enforcement provisions in the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 allow up to $10,000 in fines per violation for violating the LMR regulations. Additionally, the Act allows fines for a retailer or person engaged in the business of supplying a covered commodity that willfully violates COOL regulations.

For additional information, contact Doug McKalip, Acting Director, Country of Origin Labeling Division at (202) 720-4486; or Michael Lynch, Director, Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News Division at (202) 720-4846.

What others are saying:

It remains to be seen whether this final rule will lead to heightened surveillance and regulatory activity with respect to COOL compliance. – The National Law Review

COOL remains in place for muscle cuts and ground chicken, lamb and goat; wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish; fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables and peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts and ginseng. COOL no longer applies to ground and muscle cuts of beef and pork. – KTIC Radio