Humane Society Fights for Meat Origin Transparency

A federal statute that would require animal agriculture companies to label the country of origin of their products is now in the US Court of Appeals after being challenged by agribusiness organizations. In response, the Humane Society of the United States, the Organization for Competitive Markets, and the American Grassfed Association, have filed an amicus curiae brief (a statement from parties not directly involved with the case) in support of the law. The HSUS notes that the meat-labeling rule would help consumers know that they are buying their products from local farms that practice more humane and eco-friendly methods of raising animals. “Consumers deserve to know where their food comes from,” says Jonathan Lovvorn, senior vice president and chief counsel for animal protection litigation for the HSUS. “And factory farming organizations that seek to have it otherwise are out of step with their customers.”