DeLauro Applauds USDA for Issuing Mechanically Tenderized Beef Proposed Rule

First Step in Ensuring Consumers Have NeededInformation to Stay Safe

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) todayapplauded the proposed rule for labeling mechanically tenderized beef products.DeLauro is a former Chairwoman of the subcommittee responsible for funding theUS Department of Agriculture (USDA). She is a longtime advocate for food safetystandards that protect and inform American consumers, and has made the safetyand transparency of mechanically tenderized beef a top priority.

"Today's proposed rule is a good start to getting consumersthe information they need to keep themselves and their families healthy and Icommend USDA for moving forward on this. With summer grilling season upon us,this proposed rule comes at a great time to raise awareness among consumers ofhow important it is to cook their meat appropriately. Without proper labeling,people cannot know if a product has been mechanically tenderized and what thatmeans for the cooking process. I strongly urge USDA to publish and implementthe final rule in a timely manner so consumers are not left in the dark foranother summer."