COOL Shaping Up For Launch

USDA issued an interim final rule for the mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) program that will become effective on Sept. 30, USAgNet reports.

Commodities covered under COOL must be labeled for retail to indicate their country of origin.  However, they are now excluded if they are an ingredient in a processed food item.  USDA has also revised the definition of a processed food item so that items derived from a covered commodity that has undergone a physical or chemical change or that has been combined with other covered commodities or other substantive food components are excluded.

The rule reduces the record keeping retention requirements for suppliers and centrally-located retail records to one year and removes the requirement to maintain records at the retail store.  The law provides for penalties for both suppliers and retailers found in violation of the law of up to $1,000 per violation.