USDA launches COOL listerv

The US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has launched a Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) listserv.

The listserv will inform subscribers of significant additions to the all inclusive, information-packed COOL website.

COOL regulations became effective on September 30, 2008 and require country of origin labeling for muscle cut and ground beef (including veal), pork, lamb, goat, chicken, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts and ginseng covered commodities sold by designated retailers.

Country of origin labeling and method of production have been required for fish and shellfish covered commodities sold at retail since April 2005.

The COOL website offers detailed information for both industry and consumers. The website includes a variety of resources, such as an extensive question and answer section, a Power Point presentation on the COOL Interim Final Rule and links to current and historical legislative information.

Visitors will also find documents associated with the fish and shellfish rule, US Customs and Border Protection rulings relative to COOL and more.

The new COOL listserv will provide the benefit of reaching out to subscribers with immediate updates and help retailers to achieve compliance with COOL requirements in a cost-effective manner.