Congress, after years of delay, is expected to approve a requirement that food be labeled with its country of origin.

Congress first promised such labels in 2002, but food producers and grocers pressured lawmakers into a delay, arguing the labeling is costly and difficult to implement, The (Portland) Oregonian reported Sunday.

The new rules will likely include smaller penalties and less demanding record-keeping requirements, the newspaper said, as requested by food manufacturers.

Labeling legislation has gained momentum in the wake of food safety scares including unsafe toothpaste and seafood imported from China.

If the Senate passes a bill already approved by the House, the labeling requirements could take effect in a year. // Copyright 2007 by United Press International


Publication date: 02 October 2007   

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