Country of Origin Labeling of Packed Honey

This interim final rule would establish a new regulation addressing country of origin labeling for packed honey bearing any official USDA mark or statement and would add a new cause for debarment from inspection and certification service for honey. The rule is necessary because section 10402 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require country of origin labeling for honey if it contains official USDA grade marks or statements. The regulations governing inspection and certification would be amended to include a provision for country of origin labeling requirements for packed honey and for debarment of services if the country of origin labeling requirements are not met for packages of honey containing official USDA grade marks or statements.