What are the country of origin labeling categories for muscle cuts of meat?
There are four country of origin labeling categories depending on where the animal was born, raised and slaughtered. They are: Product of the U.S. – meat from animals born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States or from animals present in the United States on or prior to July 15, 2008. Product of the U.S., Country X, Country Y, if applicable – meat from animals born in Country X or (as applicable) Country Y, raised and slaughtered in the United States and were not derived from animals imported for immediate slaughter. Product of Country X, U.S. – meat from animals imported into the United States for immediate slaughter, and Product of Country X – foreign meat imported into the United States. Must ground beef have a country of origin label? Ground meat covered commodities must have a country of origin label listing all countries contained therein or that may be reasonably contained therein. “Reasonable” means when any raw material from a specific origin is not in a processors inve
