S. 2233: U.S.A. Beef Act

This bill, known as the U.S.A. Beef Act, aims to modify the labeling requirements for beef products in the United States under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. The main provisions of the bill are as follows:

Labeling Requirements

The bill introduces changes related to the labeling of beef products that can carry the designation “Product of U.S.A.” This particular label can only be used if the beef or meat food product is:

• Exclusively derived from one or more cattle;
• Exclusively born in the United States;
• Exclusively raised in the United States;
• Exclusively slaughtered in the United States.

Exemptions

There is a specific exemption included in the bill. The labeling requirements will not apply to beef products that are intended and offered for export to foreign countries. This means that if a beef product is labeled as “Product of U.S.A.” but is meant for export, it can still carry that label regardless of the origin of the cattle used for that product.

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the U.S.A. Beef Act is to ensure that consumers can make more informed choices about the beef products they purchase, particularly regarding the origin of the cattle used in those products. This change is expected to promote transparency in food labeling and may impact the marketing strategies of beef producers.

Impact and Regulation

The bill would enhance the regulatory framework surrounding beef labeling and increase compliance requirements for producers who wish to market their products as "Product of U.S.A." It is anticipated that this could potentially affect the domestic beef industry by encouraging more adherence to American production standards.

Relevant Companies

• BRK.A - Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: The company's subsidiary, Nebraska Furniture Mart, operates in the retail sector and may be influenced by changes in beef product labeling due to consumer preferences.
• TSN - Tyson Foods, Inc.: As one of the largest producers of beef, any regulatory changes to labeling could directly impact Tyson’s marketing and sales strategies.
• JBS - JBS S.A.: Being a significant player in the meat processing industry, JBS could be affected by changes in export and labeling compliance requirements.