WTO and Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling: What’s Next?

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has again ruled against the U.S. government in an ongoing mandatory country-of-origin (COOL) meat labeling dispute. After the WTO found that previous USDA rules discriminated against meat produced from livestock imported from Canada and Mexico, the USDA issued new regulations to come into compliance with U.S. trade obligations. But according to a recent WTO decision, “… the amended COOL measure entails increased detrimental impact on imported livestock.” As a result, U.S. industries, not just those in agriculture, could face retaliation by Canada and Mexico that could cost the domestic economy billions of dollars.

• Category

  • News & Politics