H.R. 2558: Safeguarding American Food and Export Trade Yields Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Safeguarding American Food and Export Trade Yields Act of 2025 (or the SAFETY Act of 2025), aims to amend the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to better protect the use of common names for agricultural products and food items in international markets.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Definitions and Common Names

The bill establishes a comprehensive definition of "common name" for agricultural commodities and food products. According to the bill:

• A "common name" is a name typically used for an agricultural commodity or food product, which appears on its packaging or label.
• Examples of common names include terms like "American," "Parmesan," "Chorizo," and various types of wine and beer descriptors.
• The bill outlines that common names must comply with the standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which sets international food safety and quality standards.

Preservation of Common Names

The bill prohibits foreign laws or regulations from disallowing or restricting the use of these common names. It mandates that no trade agreements can limit the usage of these terms on U.S. products in foreign markets.

Negotiation and Coordination

The bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to work with the United States Trade Representative. Together, they will advocate for U.S. producers, processors, and exporters to maintain the right to use common names in foreign markets. This may involve:

• Negotiating bilateral, plurilateral, or multilateral agreements.
• Establishing memoranda of understanding ensuring that common names can be used.

Reporting and Accountability

The Secretary of Agriculture and the United States Trade Representative are required to provide semi-annual briefings to specific congressional committees. These updates will cover their efforts to protect common names and the successes achieved in these negotiations.

Relevant Companies

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