New federal labeling rules have been implemented in the US which will allow the shoppers to have more information about the meat they purchase.
The new regulations require labels on steaks, ribs and other cuts of meat to convey information about where the animal was born, raised and slaughtered. These rules are applicable only to cuts of meat such as steaks and roasts, not to ground meat.
The new rules are a major overhaul of the current labeling requirements which were released in March 2009. Under the previous rules, a mandatory country of origin was required on meat products.
The new labeling rules for meat products have been implemented as part of efforts to bring the US in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) standards. The WTO had determined the old labels discriminated against livestock imported from Canada and Mexico.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates the labeling change will cost between $53.1m and $192.1m to put in place.
However, the grocery stores and meat industry opposed the labeling plan, stating that the changes are difficult and could result in higher prices.
The National Grocers Association president and CEO Peter Larkin said the costs of this new change will far exceed the benefits intended and will result in no meaningful consumer benefits.
"Congress must take action now and create a legislative fix," Larkin added.
