The Idaho labeling statute requires all foreign meat, poultry, eggs and butter to be marked with the country of origin. While the law has been on the books since 1965, it is currently not enforced by the Idaho Department of Agriculture. They cite a shortage of state funds and interstate commerce concerns.
Idaho Statutes Title 37: Food, Drugs and Oil – Chapter 16: Imported Food Products
§37-1604. SALE OF IMPORTED FOOD PRODUCTS — LABEL REQUIREMENTS –DEFINITIONS. Every wholesaler or retailer who sells or offers for sale in the state of Idaho through a meat market, store or otherwise, any meats, either frozen, canned, cured, processed, or any mixture thereof, or any poultry, eggs or butter which are the products of any country foreign to the United States, shall clearly label such meat, poultry, eggs or butter as "imported," naming the country of its origin, the date it was originally packaged, whether it was frozen, and the date or dates it was subsequently refrozen, if any, which labeling shall be in lettering not less than one-half inch (1/2") in height. As used in this act: (a) the word "wholesaler" shall mean a person regularly engaged in the business of selling meat, canned, frozen, cured or processed, or poultry, eggs or butter for resale; (b) the word "retailer" shall mean a person regularly engaged in the business of selling meat, canned, frozen, cured or processed, or poultry, eggs or butter at retail to the trade and public as such, and selling only to the user or consumer and not for resale; (c) the word "meat" means the dressed flesh of cattle, swine, horses, sheep or goats but shall not include fish or products of fish.
More Information:
- Full Text of Idaho Statutes Title 37: Food, Drugs and Oil – Chapter 16: Imported Food Products
- Idaho State Department of Agriculture Home Page
