(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is promoting a new voluntary labeling standard for meat, poultry, and egg products.
The "Product of USA" label, which took effect January 1, 2026, is now limited to products from animals that were born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States.
Federal officials say the updated standard replaces a previous policy that allowed some imported products to carry the label after limited processing in the U.S.
The USDA says the goal is to give consumers clearer information about where their food comes from and to establish a consistent definition for the label across the industry.
Participation in the labeling program is voluntary, but companies that use the claim must meet the full set of requirements.
The agency has also launched a public awareness effort aimed at informing producers and consumers about the updated standard.
According to federal data cited by the USDA, the number of U.S. family farms has declined in recent years, while demand for beef has increased. Officials say the labeling change is part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic agricultural production and improve supply chain transparency.