Tainted food imports, new Congress revive stalled labeling law

Washington (AP) The fight to implement country-of-origin labeling for beef, lamb and Pork may just be turning toward those who favor the labeling.

Reports of tainted seafood from China have raised consumer awareness about the safety of imported food, and many lawmakers who oppose county-of-origin labeling have left Congress.

Five years ago, a law was passed requiring meat to carry labels with their country of origin, but Congress kept delaying its implementation, most recently to 2008.

The law's leading opponents are grocery stores and large meatpacking companies, many of whom mix U-S and Mexican beef. And they had powerful support Texas Republicans.

The labeling requirement is popular with small, independent ranchers who sell their own products. It is a priority for lawmakers from the Midwest and northern Rockies, where smaller ranchers face heavy competition from Canada.

Some argue that several instances of mad cow disease in Canada demonstrates the need for stricter labeling.

Republican U-S Representative Denny Rehberg of Montana has been fighting to implement the law for years.

By AP Writer Mary Clare Jalonick (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-15-07 1112CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list