Voluntary Labeling of Products With "Product of USA" and Similar Statements

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) appreciates the opportunity to provide input to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service regarding the proposed rule governing voluntary "Made in USA" claims. AFFI represents America's frozen food and beverage makers. Our members are farmers, fruit and vegetable growers, makers of prepared meals, suppliers and distributors that provide over 670,000 American jobs. As the voice for the frozen food industry, AFFI is proud to represent publicly traded and family-owned companies that help produce frozen foods and beverages for today's retail marketplace and serve as economic pillars within their communities. AFFI members share a commitment to ensuring that products are marketed in a truthful and accurate manner and that consumers have the information available to help them choose the products that best match their priorities. Voluntary origin claims can play an important role in helping consumers choose which products to buy in a vibrant and dynamic marketplace. It is important these claims be accurate and reflect consumer expectations without being subjected to requirements so prescriptive or burdensome that they become infeasible. With this context in mind, AFFI provides the more detailed comments on FSIS's proposed rule in the attached document.