WICHITA, Kan. – Cargill Meat Solutions on Friday announced that it is beginning to transition its beef and pork programs to conform to new Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL).

The company said it expects to have a minimum of 70 percent of product meet the “Product of the USA” labeling standard beginning January 1, 2009.

Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) COOL program, the “Product of the USA” label A means the livestock were born, raised and harvested in the United States. For multiple countries of origin, Cargill will use label B, “Product of USA, Canada, Mexico” which means the livestock may be born in one country, but sent at an early age to the U.S. to be raised and processed.

Cargill has reportedly began working with many of its largest beef and pork customers and producers to ensure that labeling can be done effectively and efficiently.

“We have had great success in working with both cattle producers and retailers to create products that meet consumers’ highest standards,” said Cargill Beef President John Keating.

Source: Cargill Meat Solutions