USDA Launches COOL Listserv

November 7, 2008 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) launched a country-of-origin labeling (COOL) listserv. The listserv will notify subscribers of significant additions to the all inclusive, information-packed COOL Web site. Interested parties can sign up for this automatic notification service by following the link to registration information at www.ams.usda.gov/cool.

COOL regulations became effective Sept. 30 and require COOL for muscle cuts and ground beef (including veal), pork, lamb, goat, chicken, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts and ginseng covered commodities sold by designated retailers. COOL and method of production have been required for fish and shellfish covered commodities sold at retail since April 2005.

The COOL Web site offers detailed information for both industry and consumers. The site includes an assortment of resources, such as an extensive question-and-answer section, a PowerPoint presentation on the COOL Interim Final Rule and links to current and historical legislative information. Visitors also will find documents associated with the fish and shellfish rule, U.S. Customs and Border Protection rulings relative to COOL and more.

The new COOL listserv will provide the benefit of reaching out to subscribers with immediate updates and help retailers to more easily achieve compliance with COOL requirements in a cost-effective manner.

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