The Labeling and Compliance Division’s Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) program is responsible for providing consumers with accurate and transparent country of origin and, where applicable, production methods used, for specific food products at the point of sale.
Overview
This page provides the COOL programs official repository of customs rulings and related regulatory materials related to COOL. It consolidates key rulemaking documents such as: final rules, Farm Bill provisions, and customs and border protection rulings that dictate COOL compliance requirements for lamb, goat, chicken, fish and shellfish, and other covered commodities.
For full-line grocery stores, supermarkets, and other COOL stakeholders, these resources offer essential guidance on labeling requirements, regulatory changes, and specific customs determinations that affect import and retail operations. By reviewing the linked documents below, stakeholders can better understand their compliance obligations, understand enforcement processes, and ensure their labeling practices align with Federal law.
Helpful COOL Documents
Cool Regulations
- February 2016 Final Rule - Removal of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling Requirements for Beef and Pork Muscle Cuts, Ground Beef, and Ground Pork (pdf)
- May 2013 Final Rule to Amend Meat Labeling
- January 2009 Final Rule Implementing Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling
Farm Bill Resource
Other Rulemaking
- § 60.132 Waters of the United States – Appendix A
- FSIS Meat and Poultry Labeling Guidance
- U.S. Customs & Border Control COOL requirements for imported foods as required by the Tariff Act of 1930
- Food and Drug Administration Food Labeling Guidance
- January 13, 2017 - Addition of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling Requirements for Venison
Customs and Border Protection Rulings
Other Rulings
Additional Contacts
- U.S. Department of Commerce/ NOAA Fisheries
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service
COOL Information Collection Renewal
- Information collection rule published 9/11/2026 OMB Control Number 0581-0250 (pdf)