Study warns new labeling rules may raise meat prices for consumers
A new economic study by Decision Innovation Solutions has found that reinstating Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (mCOOL) for beef and pork could significantly increase costs across the U.S. meat supply chain.
The research estimates that the policy would add approximately $1.02 billion in costs during the first year. Beef-related expenses are projected at $721 million, while pork-related costs could reach $296 million. Most of these expenses would be recurring operational costs rather than one-time investments.
Researchers also estimate that total costs could grow to $4.8 billion over five years and exceed $10 billion over a ten-year period.
“This study proves there are real and significant costs to mCOOL which would raise the price of meat for consumers already struggling to afford groceries,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “mCOOL would burden both packers and livestock producers with added costs at a time when beef packers are losing money due to the smallest herd size in 75 years causing record high prices for cattle.”
The study examined the potential impacts of bringing back the 2013 mCOOL requirements using current production, trade, consumption, and market data. According to the findings, costs would increase because businesses would need to track animal origins, maintain records, separate products, update labels, and verify compliance.
Consumers could experience some of the largest impacts. The report suggests additional costs would likely be passed along through the supply chain, resulting in higher food prices. Annual consumer costs are estimated at $835 million for beef and $284 million for pork purchases.
Processors, packers, and retailers are expected to face the greatest compliance burden. These businesses would be responsible for managing separate inventories, adjusting production schedules, maintaining documentation, and updating labeling systems.
Ground beef presents another challenge. The study notes that ground beef accounted for nearly 48% of U.S. beef consumption in 2025. Because it often combines imported lean beef with domestic trimmings, labeling requirements could become more complex and costly. Compliance costs for ground beef alone could range from $202 million to $688 million annually.
Livestock producers may also face difficulties, including added paperwork, reduced market flexibility, and lower efficiency throughout the supply chain. Researchers noted that previous USDA analyses found similar labeling requirements could create market disruptions and increase overall system costs.
The report concludes that reinstating mCOOL would have broad economic impacts across the beef and pork industries while increasing costs for businesses and consumers alike.
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