Fresh Produce: Potential Consequences of Country-of-Origin Labeling. Statement of211 Robert E. Robertson, Associate Director, Food and Agriculture Issues, Resources, 211 Community and Economic Development Division

摘要

In the past few years several legislative proposals have been introduced that211u001ewould require fresh produce to be labeled at the retail level by its country of 211u001eorigin. As requested by the Senate and House conferees for the Omnibus 211u001eConsolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, the report 211u001ereviewed a number of issues associated with the potential costs and benefits of a 211u001emandatory labeling requirements. Specifically, the report--as well as the 211u001etestimony today--provides information on (1) the potential costs associated with 211u001ethe compliance and enforcement of a mandatory country-of-origin labeling 211u001erequirement at the retail level for fresh produce, (2) the potential trade issues 211u001eassociated with such a requirement, (3) the potential impact of such a 211u001erequirement on the ability of the federal government and the public to respond to 211u001eoutbreaks of illness caused by contaminated fresh produce, and (4) consumers' 211u001eviews of country-of-origin labeling.