USCA’s Leadership: A Long Road to Truthful Labeling

This moment did not happen overnight. For nearly a decade, USCA has been at the forefront of the fight for truthful “Product of USA” labeling, consistently pressing USDA to align labeling rules with consumer expectations and producer realities.

Key milestones in USCA’s engagement include:

•   2018–2019: USCA formally petitioned USDA and FSIS to address misleading country-of-origin claims and enforce truthful labeling standards for beef and other livestock products.

(FSIS Responds to USCA Petition on Truthful Labeling)

•    2020: USDA formally responded to USCA’s petition and proposed regulatory changes aimed at closing the long-standing “Product of the U.S.A.” loophole that allowed imported cattle and beef to be marketed as domestic.

•   2024: After years of sustained advocacy, USDA finalized a rule significantly tightening how “Product of USA” and “Made in USA” claims may be used—marking a major regulatory victory for U.S. cattle producers.

(USCA’s Long Road to Truth in Labeling Secures Major Victory)

•   2025: FSIS released updated voluntary labeling guidance to support implementation of the new rule, providing additional clarity ahead of its January effective date.

Together, these actions laid the groundwork for the rule USDA finalized last year—and for the updated guidance now being released ahead of implementation.

Why This Matters to Producers and Consumers

Truthful labeling:

  • Protects U.S. cattle producers from unfair market competition
  • Ensures consumer confidence in origin claims
  • Reinforces the value of American-raised cattle
  • Prevents misleading marketing that undermines domestic production

What Comes Next

The updated FSIS guidance will support implementation of the new voluntary “Product of USA” labeling rules beginning in January. USCA will continue monitoring enforcement and advocating for strong oversight to ensure the rule delivers on its promise.

USCA members can be confident: your association led this effort, stayed the course, and delivered meaningful change for U.S. cattle producers.