Legislation was recently introduced that would repeal the mandatory country-of-origin labeling law scheduled to go into effect Sept. 30 for seafood products and replace it with a voluntary program. The Food Promotion Act of 2004 was introduced by Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Charles Stenholm (D-Texas). Congress will have to move quickly to enact this legislation before Sept. 30, but it’s helpful that Goodlatte is the chair of the House Agriculture Committee and Stenholm is its ranking member.
Others who signed onto the bill were Randy Neugebauer of Texas, Henry Bonilla of Texas, John Boehner of Ohio, Nick Smith of Michigan, Marilyn Musgrave of Colorado, Robin Hayes of North Carolina, Cal Dooley of California, Solomon Ortiz of Texas, Mark Kennedy of Minnesota, John Peterson of Pennsylvania, Sam Farr of California, Chris Chocola of Indiana, Marion Berry of Arkansas and Anibal Acevedo-Vila of Puerto Rico.
Below is suggested text for a letter all members should put on their letterhead and fax to their Congressman (if not listed above) as soon as possible. Please note you’ll have to insert the name of your Congressman or Congresswoman and address the letter accordingly. If you don’t know the name and address of your representative, you may call the AFI office or go to www.house.gov. On that site, you’ll type in your zip code and it will tell you the name of your representative. Click on the name of the representative to go to his or her Web site for the contact information.
Given the ramifications of the mandatory regulations, it’s imperative members of Congress hear from as many people as possible as soon as possible so they know the harmful impact the mandatory regulations will have and they will see that the industry is committed to the voluntary regulations.
While it’s hoped the legislation calling for voluntary labeling will pass, members should still stay abreast of developments related to the mandatory regulations. A final rule is expected to be published within the next few weeks. AFI will continue to monitor developments related to this issue and provide updates whenever needed.
The Honorable _____
_____ House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congressman _____ :
I’m writing to urge you to co-sponsor and/or support HR 4576, the Food Promotion Act of 2004. This legislation would replace costly and unworkable mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements with a voluntary program that would better achieve the stated goals of the mandatory program.
Additionally, the lack of final regulations on the mandatory program, which has an implementation date of Sept. 30 for seafood products, has created turmoil in all segments of the seafood industry because retailers wary of paying fines are demanding suppliers comply today with the mandatory regulations – even though nobody knows what those final regulations will be.
The mandatory program is not needed because it duplicates requirements of current laws and enforcement measures already available. Its duplicative record-keeping provisions and other requirements will lead to increased costs for consumers. A voluntary program will provide the same benefits as a mandatory program without adding costs into the system.
Your support of HR 4576 is needed and appreciated.
Sincerely,
