FMI suggested the alternative in congressional hearings, and the House and Senate Agriculture Committees agreed. This beef is processed from cattle raised and fed for at least 100 days in the United States. The program would require cattle feeders and beef packers to maintain adequate systems and records, and to make consistent and accurate labels. Packers and cattle producers would be required to reimburse USDA for the cost of the certification program. Participating parties believe that the new labeling initiative could be a model for the settlement of other issues.
Consumers demand variety.
In response to this, the average supermarket s produce department carries more than 370 items year round. Displays change constantly due to changes in the sources of supplies and the perishable nature of produce. The signs would have to be constantly changed and updated since it is quite common to have multiple sources of supply. Such a mandate could also have serious repercussions on foreign trade, fueling trade wars that increase the cost and availability of food. U.S. trading partners could view labeling as a trade barrier and retaliate by imposing barriers against imports of U.S. products into their own countries.