How do new meat labeling laws affect you?

Many consumers may be unaware of recent changes in U.S. meat labeling laws, and how those changes could impact them at the grocery store.

Last month, the House of Representatives voted to repeal current labeling laws that specify the country-of-origin where beef, pork, and poultry are "born, raised and slaughtered." The repeal came after Canada and Mexico threatened the U.S. with $3 billion in trade sanctions based on a ruling by the World Trade Organization that the law discriminated against imported meat.

U.S. meat labels that identify country-of-origin became mandatory in 2009 after years of debate about whether or not shoppers should have information that would allow them to distinguish between U.S. and foreign products.

The vote passed despite opposition from U.S. consumer and agriculture groups that backed current labeling laws. In light of this repeal, consumers who purchase meat at traditional grocery stores will once again be in the dark about where it comes from.

This seems like the perfect opportunity to discuss the importance of buying local.

When you purchase meat direct from Stemple Creek Ranch you can rest assured we raise our animals from field to fork. Our beef and lamb graze free range on organic pasture grass and wild forage for the duration of their lives. There is no substitute for this kind of transparency. When you support local farms like ours you also contribute to the health of local economy, and take an informed stance as a consumer.

If you want to know where your meat comes from, buy local.