What is a Covered Commodity? A Comprehensive Legal Overview
Definition & meaning
The term "covered commodity" refers to specific agricultural products that are subject to regulations under U.S. law. According to 7 USCS § 1638, covered commodities include:
Muscle cuts of beef, lamb, and pork
Ground beef, ground lamb, and ground pork
Farm-raised fish
Wild fish
Perishable agricultural commodities
Peanuts
Meat produced from goats
Whole and parts of chicken
Ginseng
Pecans
Macadamia nuts
However, an item is not considered a covered commodity if it is used as an ingredient in a processed food item.
Table of content
Everything you need for legal paperwork
Access 85,000+ trusted legal forms and simple tools to fill, manage, and organize your documents.
Covered commodities are primarily relevant in the agricultural and food distribution sectors. They are used in legal contexts relating to labeling, marketing, and food safety regulations. Understanding this term is crucial for businesses involved in the production, processing, or sale of these commodities.
Users can manage related legal forms and processes themselves with the right tools, such as those offered by US Legal Forms, which provides templates drafted by experienced attorneys.
Key Legal Elements
Real-World Examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Here are a couple of examples illustrating the concept of covered commodities:
A grocery store sells fresh cuts of beef and lamb, which are classified as covered commodities under U.S. law.
A food manufacturer produces a frozen dinner that contains ground pork as an ingredient. In this case, the ground pork is not considered a covered commodity because it is part of a processed food item.
Relevant Laws & Statutes
The primary statute defining covered commodities is 7 USCS § 1638, which outlines the specific types of agricultural products included in this category and their exclusions.
Comparison with Related Terms
Term
Definition
Difference
Covered Commodity
Specific agricultural products defined in 7 USCS § 1638.
Includes fresh and processed agricultural products.
Processed Food Item
Food products that have been altered from their original state.
Excludes items that are considered covered commodities when used as ingredients.
Common Misunderstandings
What to Do If This Term Applies to You
If you are involved in the sale or distribution of agricultural products, ensure you understand which items qualify as covered commodities. You can explore US Legal Forms for ready-to-use legal templates that can help you comply with labeling and marketing regulations. If your situation is complex, consider consulting a legal professional for tailored advice.
Quick Facts
Attribute
Details
Definition
Specific agricultural products as defined by U.S. law.
Key Statute
7 USCS § 1638
Exclusions
Ingredients in processed food items
Key Takeaways
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates
This field is required
FAQs
Covered commodities are specific agricultural products defined by U.S. law, including various meats, fish, and nuts.
No, only those specifically listed in 7 USCS § 1638 qualify.
If a covered commodity is an ingredient in a processed food item, it is not considered a covered commodity.
