This bill establishes a country of origin labeling program for beef and pork meat products sold at retail in Iowa. The Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (DALS) is tasked with adopting rules for this program, which will include muscle cuts and ground beef and pork. However, DALS cannot implement these rules until it secures any necessary waivers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) based on relevant federal legislation. If DALS determines that state legislation is needed to proceed, it must prepare and submit that legislation to the Ninety-second General Assembly during its first session. Additionally, DALS is required to report its progress on implementing this program to the General Assembly by January 1, 2027.

The bill also includes provisions for injunctive relief and penalties for violations of the labeling requirements. Specifically, it states that any person who violates the provisions of the relevant Iowa Code or the rules adopted by DALS will be guilty of a simple misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of confinement for up to 30 days and a fine ranging from $105 to $855. The bill aims to reinstate a labeling program that was previously removed under federal law, reflecting a renewed focus on transparency in food labeling for consumers in Iowa.