Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) is a labeling law that requires retailers such as grocery stores, supermarkets, and club warehouse stores to notify their customers of information about the source of certain foods. The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 was amended to define the commodities required to display origin information when sold by retailers. These covered commodities are fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, wild and farm raised fish and shellfish, muscle cut and ground chicken, lamb and goat meat, raw peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and ginseng. COOL continues to play a vital role in providing information to consumers about the source of their food and, in the case of seafood, the methods of production. Providing this information assists consumers in making informed purchasing decisions. Transparency regarding the origin of seafood is of high importance for buyers. This session will cover the regulatory requirements of the COOL Law for the seafood industry and the successes of COOL since its implementation.
