From: ahunka_cetan@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, August 03, 2006 12:09 AM
To: MarketingClaim
Subject: Please Adopt a Strong Standard for Grass-Fed Meat and
Milk/Dairy Products!




Chief - Standardization Branch, AMS, USDA - Martin E. O'Connor Agricultural
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 2607-S, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW Washington, DC 20250-0254

Dear Chief O'Connor,

I am writing to express my support for the proposed USDA grass-fed meat label
and to urge you to clarify the proposed rule to prevent meat from grain-fed
animals from being erroneously labeled as grass-fed.

In particular, I applaud the USDA for proposing that an animal's diet must be 99
percent grass or forage based in order to be marketed as grass-fed. This strict
standard will ensure consumer confidence in the grass-fed label; help farmers
who raise animals on grass distinguish their products in the marketplace from
meat from animals raised on grain diets; and help protect the environment and
human health. In addition, the inclusion of Milk and Dairy Products should be
considered for incorporation.
As dairy products are heavily promoted dietary requirements for our young
individuals good growth and well being, it is imperative to incorporate the
highest standards of integrity and quality in these products as well.

I am concerned that ambiguous language in the proposed rule could allow
meat/dairy products from animals that are fed large quantities of corn and other
grains to still be labeled grass-fed. In the USDA's description of what can be
fed to weaned "grass-fed" animals, forage--typically defined as grass, legumes,
and other plant material--includes "grain in the immature stage." I strongly
encourage the USDA to clarify the meaning of immature grain to maintain the
integrity of the grass-fed label.

Finally, I urge the USDA to quickly issue the "free-range/pasture-raised" label
with the "grass-fed" label.
These two labels will work in tandem to avert confusion about these two similar
but distinct production claims. In all fairness, accurate labeling is important.
If consumers pay higher prices for that which they believe to be more beneficial
environmentally and health wise then, they should be able to do so with
confidence in these 'safe guards' equated with 'labeling' standards. Failure to
impose heavy fines upon fraudulent 'claims' of aforementioned 'integrity' would
implicate significant error in the USDA standardization process itself. To
maintain credibility, frequent verification of these high standards needs to be
maintained. If necessary, hirer more personnel to get the job done correctly.
Really impose and collect upon fines for any breaking faith in the pledge to
produce quality product for the consumer. Direct. Simple. No games.

Your time in consideration of this matter is most appreciated.



Sincerely,

Linda Brinkmeyer
322 W 600 N
Lake Village, Indiana 46349-9230