On Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:18:19 -0500, Dave Hamilton 
<[log in to unmask]> 
wrote:

>And this is why we see the front say US Grade A and the back says "product
>of Argentina". I actually saw this at Sam's.
>


US Grade A is also found on non US produce if its inspected and meets USDA 
requirements. Its a statement of the quality. 

Honey and maple syrup were the only foods granted an exemption for inspection so the 
producer or packer makes that determination as to the grade. 
 
Your example will be legal under new COOL regulations. But thats the point, all food 
should have the country of origin noted for consumers. What we are trying to accomplish 
is exposing the non US honey that is blended with US and previously was not *required* 
to state the country of origin and the consumer was led to believe it might be a 100% US 
product. 

WHen I said the "Product of USA" notation is not enforceable for beekeepers thats 
different then the USDA ability to enforce COOL labeling for imported honey. Its confusing 
but appears to be a step in the right direction.  Perhaps those who crafted the bill were 
smart enough to see that putting the onus on the imported honey was the goal, and not to 
put an additional burden on US honey producers who pack their own honey. 

I recommend that those who are interested in this topic read the regulation and/or call 
USDA to get further clarifications and please let me know if I did not get the 
interpretation right. 

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned 
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html