# Plain Language Summary: American Beef Labeling Act of 2025

This bill requires that beef sold in the United States be labeled with information about where the cattle came from and where the meat was processed. Specifically, it mandates that packages of beef must clearly show whether the cattle were born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States, or if any part of that process happened in another country. The goal is to give consumers more transparency about the origin of their meat so they can make informed choices about what they're buying.

The practical effect is that when you go to the grocery store, you'll see more detailed labeling on beef products. Instead of just seeing "beef" on a package, you might see something like "Product of USA" or "Born in Canada, Raised and Slaughtered in USA" depending on the cattle's journey. This helps American consumers identify domestically-raised beef if that's what they prefer, and it's intended to support American cattle ranchers by making it easier for consumers to choose American products.

For the beef industry, this means producers and retailers will need to track where their cattle come from and ensure their labels are accurate. Retailers will need to update their labeling systems and packaging to comply with these new requirements. The bill essentially creates a paper trail requirement so that beef can be traced back to its origin, similar to labeling requirements that already exist in some other countries. Consumers who care about supporting American agriculture or who have preferences about where their food comes from will have clearer information to guide their purchasing decisions.

American Beef Labeling Act of 2025

Thune, John

American Beef Labeling Act of 2025This bill reinstates mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) requirements for beef.&nbsp;COOL&nbsp;is a labeling law that requires retailers, such as full-line grocery stores, supermarkets, and club warehouse stores, to provide information to&nbsp;customers regarding the source of certain foods.Specifically, the bill requires the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR),&nbsp;in consultation with the Department of Agriculture (USDA), to determine a means of reinstating mandatory&nbsp;COOL for beef that is compliant with World Trade Organization rules.&nbsp;The USTR and USDA must implement the means of reinstating mandatory COOL for beef within one year&nbsp;of the bill's enactment.