Food Labeling Law Has Lots of Exemptions

Consumer groups complain there are too many loopholes in the food labeling law that took effect in the United States this week.

The law requires that all meats, fish, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables be identified by their country of origin but does not apply to cooked and processed foods, USA Today reported Wednesday.

“You cook shrimp, it’s not required to be labeled,” says Michael Hansen of Consumers Union. “You import a piece of fish and add a little smoke favor … boom. Process. Out.”

The Consumer Federation of America estimates the labeling law exempts 95 percent of peanuts, pecans and macadamia nuts and 60 percent of pork.

“If you combine two covered commodities, then the resulting food will not be covered,” says Chris Waldrup of Consumer Federation of America.

The law also excludes foods for restaurants and cafeterias and grants an exemption to small retailers such as butchers and fish markets.