News Releases for January 2004
January 13, 2004
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Hoeven: Country Of Origin Labeling Law Enforced For Years
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today said the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has been enforcing the state’s country of origin labeling law since it was passed in 1999, contrary to a political attack. The state is not only enforcing the law, but is doing so in cooperation with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.
“Joe is wrong on two counts,” Hoeven said. “Not only are his facts wrong, but this is no time to be undermining consumer confidence in the beef industry. I’m surprised he would say these things for political gain.”
According to the NDDoH, retailers throughout North Dakota were directed to comply with the law in mailings in both 1999 and again in 2002, when the Governor contacted the department to ensure that they were enforcing the law. Recently, Hoeven was joined by North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, Stockmen’s Association Executive Vice President Wade Moser and North Dakota Beef Commission Executive Director Nancy Jo Bateman to express support for the beef industry.
Hoeven has long supported country of origin labeling, both on the state level by enforcing a North Dakota labeling law, and on the federal level, where he has pushed for its implementation in Washington.
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