The U.S. Ag Secretary says the implementation of the country of origin labeling is moving forward. Ann Veneman was asked about the new law that will require labels showing the country where food was produced during a stop in Des Moines. She says the administration did not support the country of origin system, but she says they’re doing everything they can to see that it’s implemented appropriately. The plan is going to cost millions to implement and that’s one of the concerns of critics. She says it is a “very, very contentious” issue with strong support for and against the measure. Veneman says there will be some significant costs involved in implementing the system. Some groups are trying to stop the implementation, but Veneman says the Ag Department has no choice but to move forward. She says they will implement the statute that the Congress gives them, and if Congress changes it, they’ll make a change. The new country-of-origin labeling law will cover all fruits, vegetables, beef, lamb, pork and fish sold in the U.S.
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