An Agriculture Department spokesperson said today that the Food Safety and Inspection Service is planning to finish a rule on labeling tenderized meat by the end of the year, as consumer groups asked in a letter on Monday.

“USDA appreciates the support for this important food safety initiative, which is among the department's priorities for the remainder of this calendar year,” the spokesperson said.

“It had already been and continues to be our goal to have new labeling requirements in place ready in time to take effect by 2016 so that consumers will be better informed and more foodborne illness will be prevented.”