WASHINGTON, D.C. — Beginning January 1, 2026, new federal standards governing voluntary “Product of USA” and similar U.S.-origin labeling claims for meat, poultry, and egg products will officially take effect, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Under the final rule issued by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), products bearing a “Product of USA” or comparable claim must be derived from animals that were born, raised, slaughtered, and processed entirely within the United States. The change is intended to prevent misleading origin claims and provide consumers with clearer, more accurate information at the grocery store.

Previously, meat and poultry products could carry a “Product of USA” label even if the animals were raised outside the country, as long as processing occurred domestically. The updated rule tightens those requirements to better align labeling practices with consumer expectations.

The labeling claims remain voluntary, but producers choosing to use them must maintain documentation verifying compliance. While the claims qualify for generic approval and do not require prior FSIS review, records must be made available upon request.

USDA officials say the delayed implementation date was designed to give producers and processors sufficient time to adjust supply chains, labeling, and record-keeping practices ahead of the 2026 compliance deadline.