(NAFB.com) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday announced the finalization of a rule to align the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim with consumer understanding of what the claim means. Vilsack made the announcement during a speech to attendees of the National Farmers Union Annual Convention in Scottdale, Arizona. Vilsack says, “This final rule will ensure that when consumers see ‘Product of USA’ they can trust the authenticity of that label and know that every step involved.” USDA’s final rule allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. The rule will prohibit misleading U.S. origin labeling in the market, and help ensure that the information consumers receive about where their food comes from is truthful. Establishments voluntarily using a claim subject to the final rule must comply with the new regulatory requirements by January 1, 2026.