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Agency Response: The Agency believes that the proposed
rule and this final rule comply with both E.O. 13563 and E.O.
12866. The Act provides authority for the Secretary to
promulgate regulations necessary to implement the COOL program.
In addition, as explained previously, in order to implement
mandatory country of origin labeling for certain meat products
as required by statute, the Agency has made changes to the
labeling provisions for muscle cut covered commodities. These
changes provide consumers with more specific information and
enhance the overall operation of the program. The Agency also
expects that these changes will bring the mandatory COOL
requirements into compliance with U.S. international trade
obligations.
The proposed rule contained an executive summary of the
rule, which included a statement of need. The Agency has
conducted a cost benefit analysis, as required, and has modified
the analysis based on the comments received. As noted in a
subsequent response below, the Agency believes that this final
rule is consistent with the statute.
Miscellaneous
Summary of Comments: Several commenters stated their
belief that the proposed rule violates the First Amendment
because it impermissibly compels commercial speech. The
commenters argued that AMS has not stated an interest sufficient
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