Nutrition Labeling: Fresh Meats

Publication Date: April 2001

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Type:

Abstract:

Since the early 1990s, nutrition labeling information on most fresh food products has been provided voluntarily, under the provisions of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act. On January 18, 2001, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed mandatory nutrition labeling rules for both major cuts and raw/ground fresh meat and poultry products. This proposal is intended to provide consumers with more information on the fat content of the products that they are selecting in the marketplace. This report provides background information and a brief history of the labeling issue, particularly with regard to fresh meats, and will be updated when the new rules are final.