HB18-1043, introduced by Kimmi Lewis (R-Kim), would have ended a consumer-targeted deception by reserving the “Product of the USA” label only for beef derived exclusively from animals born, raised, and harvested in the United States.

Multinational meatpackers that distribute beef in Colorado have been applying the USA label on beef from animals exclusively born and raised in one or more foreign countries and on foreign beef that was slaughtered in a foreign country and then subjected to only minor processing after entering the United States.

Colorado consumers have the right to know where their beef is produced so they can make an informed decision when purchasing beef. On Jan. 29, the House Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources heard testimony from dozens of Colorado cattle ranchers and Colorado consumers stating that multinational meatpackers and retailers were deceptively applying “Product of the USA” labels on foreign beef sold in Colorado grocery stores.

Regardless of this testimony, the committee voted 10 to 3 to prevent having the bill introduced in the full Colorado Assembly. Sadly, Marc Catlin (R-Montrose) the representative for our local area, was one of the 10 people voting no. I wonder if Assemblyman Catlin took the time to listen to all the testimony or spent any time asking constituents how they feel about having the knowledge of where beef is produced?

Personally, I doubt it.

Dick Simmons

Mancos