Ginseng labeling
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
"Country of origin" statement on all products containing the herbal would be required under bill recently introduced by Sen. Feingold (D-Wisc.). Noting the Badger State produces 97% of the ginseng grown in the U.S., Feingold says in his floor comments that smugglers have been switching higher-quality, "lower pesticide and chemical content" product from Wisconsin with cheaper imports. "Chinese ginseng has a retail value of about $5-$6 per pound, while Wisconsin ginseng is valued at roughly $16-$20 per pound," he notes. The bill, S 3005, referred to the Commerce Committee and likely to be taken up next session, stipulates retailers must indicate where their ginseng is grown or face a fine