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US senators propose voluntary labelling for US meats to avoid WTO ruling
TWO US senators Democrat Debbie Stabenow and Republican John Hoeven, have tabled legislation to address the World Trade Organisation's ruling against existing US country-of-origin labelling.
Canadians objected to existing compulsory labelling because it added an expense to Canadian and Mexican meat, thus making it less marketable to and by retailers.
Under the senators' proposal, the 2015 Voluntary Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) and Trade Enhancement Act would comply with the WTO ruling by removing certain meat products from the mandatory labelling programme, satisfying concerns of both trading neighbours Canada and Mexico.
Additionally, the legislation would implement a voluntary label to help consumers identify meats that are "products of the US", they said.
"If consumers in Canada have the right to know where their food comes from through a voluntary labelling system, then American consumers should have the same," said Ms Stabenow, reported American Shipper. "This bill is a path forward and will encourage international trade while giving families peace of mind."
Specifically, the Stabenow-Hoeven bill would establish a voluntary "product of the US" label for beef, pork, chicken, and ground meat products that are from animals born, raised, and harvested in the United States.
In May, the WTO ruled for the fourth, and final, time that the United States' mandatory COOL law violates international trade agreements. As a result of the WTO's ruling, Canada and Mexico have the right to impose retaliatory sanctions and tariffs, if the US fails to address the current COOL law.
Canadians objected to existing compulsory labelling because it added an expense to Canadian and Mexican meat, thus making it less marketable to and by retailers.
Under the senators' proposal, the 2015 Voluntary Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) and Trade Enhancement Act would comply with the WTO ruling by removing certain meat products from the mandatory labelling programme, satisfying concerns of both trading neighbours Canada and Mexico.
Additionally, the legislation would implement a voluntary label to help consumers identify meats that are "products of the US", they said.
"If consumers in Canada have the right to know where their food comes from through a voluntary labelling system, then American consumers should have the same," said Ms Stabenow, reported American Shipper. "This bill is a path forward and will encourage international trade while giving families peace of mind."
Specifically, the Stabenow-Hoeven bill would establish a voluntary "product of the US" label for beef, pork, chicken, and ground meat products that are from animals born, raised, and harvested in the United States.
In May, the WTO ruled for the fourth, and final, time that the United States' mandatory COOL law violates international trade agreements. As a result of the WTO's ruling, Canada and Mexico have the right to impose retaliatory sanctions and tariffs, if the US fails to address the current COOL law.
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