IDairy, a coalition of 6 dairy organizations, reminds dairy producers that 840-RFID tags are an easy way to provide customers, and ultimately consumers, with the proper Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) documentation. The new COOL regulations went into effect on September 30, and retailers are now required to notify their customers of the country of origin of beef and veal.
As an alternative to that burdensome recordkeeping, USDA will recognize the use of the Official
National Animal Identification System (NAIS) 840-RFID tags as a universal passport for a dairy animal
during its lifetime, requiring no additional paperwork or recordkeeping. Official NAIS 840-RFID tags
will indicate the animal is of U.S. origin no matter how many times ownership of the animal changes
during its lifetime.
In order to use Official NAIS 840-RFID tags, dairy producers must register their premises as part
of the NAIS. Today, more than 70% of the United States’ 59,000 commercial dairy producers have
already registered their premises, and can use 840-RFID tags immediately. Official NAIS 840-RFID tags
can be purchased from many of the IDairy partners.
IDairy was established in 2005 and consists of a coalition of 6 dairy organizations: American Jersey Cattle Association; Holstein Association USA, Inc.; Dairy Calf & Heifer Association; National Dairy Herd Information Association; National Association of Animal Breeders; and National Milk Producers Federation.