USDA mandatory origin labeling for fish starts today

USDA mandatory origin labeling for fish starts today    Effective today, American grocery stores must identify the country of origin labeling and method production of fish and shellfish.
   The U.S. Department of Agriculture published the country of origin labeling requirements as an interim rule Oct. 5, 2004. The rule’s requirements were held in abeyance for six months to allow time for existing inventories to clear channels and conform operations to the new origin labeling rule. For more information, access online: https://www.ams.usda.gov/cool/coolfr.pdf.
   The USDA also recently issued a notice outlining documentation and record-keeping requirements that retailers must maintain to substantiate country of origin and method of production claims. It’s also available online at https://www.ams.usda.gov/cool/recordkeepingnotice.pdf.
   The 2002 Farm Bill required origin labeling for imports of fish and shellfish. Similar requirements for imports of fresh fruits and vegetables and meats were delayed by Congress.