Canada will suspend its complaint with the World Trade Organization regarding US regulations that require meat to be labeled with its country of origin, according to the Canadian agriculture minister.This announcement came after the rule was announced by USDA.
“We will shelve our concern at this point but we will continue to assess the impact of COOL as it moves along,” Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said. “The final rule provides more flexibility on labeling requirements in the US for meat from animals of both Canadian and American origin.”
Canada has been talking with USDA on the issue since December, which Canada said was costing extra and unfair amounts to Canadian beef and pork exporters whose main client is the United States.
Canada’s exports of pork and beef to the United States totals an estimated four billion dollars per year.
