What Does That "Born and Raised in the USA" Label on Your Beef Actually Mean?
A new USDA rule for "Born and Raised in the USA" beef labeling is here. We explore what this means for ranchers, meatpackers, trade, and your grocery bill.
By Foodie Pundit Newsroom - Published - Updated - Section: Policy Regulation
Key points
- The new 'Born and Raised in the USA' label is voluntary but requires USDA verification that the animal was born, raised, and slaughtered stateside.
- American cattle ranchers support the rule, believing it will allow them to compete fairly against cheaper, imported beef that was previously labeled
- Major meat processors and trade groups from Canada and Mexico oppose the rule, warning it will disrupt the integrated North American supply chain, increase consumer prices, and potentially lead to international trade disputes.
- The voluntary nature of the label creates a new dynamic for consumers and retailers, who must now navigate a marketplace with explicitly labeled domestic beef, unlabeled beef of unknown origin, and store brands, each with different price and supply implications.
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