Mandatory Country of Origin Labelling Proposed for Venison

AMS is proposing to add muscle cuts of venison and ground venison to the list of commodities subject to mandatory country of origin labelling requirements. AMS states that under this rule retailers and suppliers would be required to keep records and provide their customers notification of the country of origin of muscle cuts and ground venison they sell. Individuals that supply venison, whether directly to retailers or indirectly through other participants in the marketing chain, would be required to establish and maintain country of origin information for venison and supply this information to retailers. As a result, producers, handlers, manufacturers, wholesalers, importers and retailers of venison would be affected. Comments on this proposal are due no later than 14 March.