With all of the recent concerns about tainted food additives and products from China, the results of a new Consumer Reports survey shouldn't be surprising: According to the poll, 92 percent of consumers agree that imported foods should be labeled by their country of origin. While the federal government mandated country of origin labeling, or COOL, back in 2002 for nearly all food products, implementation has been delayed until October 2008, with the exception of seafood. Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, has called for immediate implementation of COOL.

The poll also found that foods labeled as “natural,” or “organic" are highly popular among consumers, whereas “irradiated” foods are not. At the same time, consumers indicated that they expect more from natural labels than current standards dictate for processed food and meat. Eighty-six percent said they expect the natural label to mean that processed food does not contain any artificial ingredients. But current standards only prohibit artificial colorings and additives. Artificial sugars and oils like high fructose corn syrup or partially hydrogenated oils can still be used in natural foods. 

The Consumer Reports poll was conducted via telephone from June 7 to 10, 2007. 

For more info:

• Consumer Reports food-labeling poll 
• Eco-labels.org

Previously:

• FDA warning on Chinese fish highlights problems with inspections
• Can you trust Chinese-made products?
• Thomas & Friends recall: 1.5 million trains and accessories for lead
• Toothpaste trouble: what you need to know now
• Tainted animal feed: Why the government's approach isn't working