Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Fish and Shellfish

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is reopening the comment period for 60 days for the interim final rule for mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) for fish and shellfish covered commodities that was published in the Federal Register on October 5, 2004 (69 FR 59708). The interim final rule requires certain retailers and their suppliers to notify their customers of the country of origin and the method of production (wild and/or farm-raised) of specified fish and shellfish products. The interim final rule also specifies recordkeeping responsibilities for affected retailers and their suppliers. AMS requests general comments on the interim final rule. All affected persons are hereby given notice of the opportunity to submit written data and views concerning the interim final rule. AMS will review the submitted comments and information as it promulgates a final rule for mandatory COOL for fish and shellfish.