AMS No. 079-03

Kathryn Mattingly (202) 720-8998

kathryn.mattingly@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2003 –– USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service today announced that it will seek additional input on several proposed United States Standards for Livestock and Meat Marketing Claims. Final standards for claims related to antibiotics, hormones and breed, and the terms free-range and grass-fed will be established after further technical input is obtained from interested parties and an additional public comment period is conducted.

Currently, there are no consensus standards for production or marketing claims related to meat and livestock products. The proposed standards are voluntary and set the minimum requirements for common production and marketing claims that may be used in USDA certified or USDA verified programs. Establishing standardized claims would create a common language for buyers and sellers and facilitate the nationwide marketing of livestock and meat products.

For further details, visit our Web site at http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/stand/claim.htm or contact William T. Sessions, Associate Deputy Administrator, AMS Livestock and Seed Program at william.sessions@usda.gov

or (202) 720 5705.