Policy

Do It Voluntarily. Or Else.

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I'm getting the impression that the Obama administration doesn't fully grasp the meaning of the word "voluntary."

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told consumer groups, farm groups and meat industry leaders Tuesday that he will ask the meat industry to voluntarily follow stricter guidelines for new package labels designed to specify a food's country of origin…

If the industry does not comply with the stricter guidelines, the administration will write new rules, according to those who spoke with Vilsack on Tuesday.