Want to buy 'Made in the USA' meat and eggs? A new federal labeling rule might help

Shoppers who want to determine if their meat, eggs and poultry were “Made in the USA” are expected to find the task easier once a finalized federal rule takes effect.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday announced new requirements for meat and egg producers who use the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” labels on their products.

Under the new rule, the labels can only be used for products derived from animals that are born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. The rule will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026, but the government encouraged producers to start complying immediately.

The labels are voluntary and appear on around 12% of the meat, poultry and eggs consumed in the U.S.