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USDA backs off of stringent proposal for federal contractors
Story Date: 2/2/2012
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Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 2/1/12
The USDA has withdrawn its proposal that would have required companies doing business with the agency to certify that all subcontractors are in compliance with labor laws — and do not employ undocumented immigrants, for example — according to a agency spokesman.
The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register in December, and due to go into effect at the end of this month. However, a farm-to-fork line-up of organizations objected to the proposal, from the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, to American Meat Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Kraft Foods Inc.
The proposal would have required that all federal contractors, including companies that supply USDA’s commodity purchasing and nutrition programs, certify that all subcontractors, at every level, were in compliance with the law. The opposition noted the increased regulatory burden the proposal would engender, among other issues.
A notice withdrawing the proposal will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, Feb. 3.
For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.
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