Dive Brief:
- Keeping a previous ruling intact, the World Trade Organization Monday said U.S. country-of-origin meat labeling requirements discriminate against Canada and Mexico.
- The two other North American countries could receive retaliatory tariffs as soon as 2015's close, pending U.S. moves toward adjusting COOL rules.
- "In light of the final ruling, and due to the fact that the United States has continued to discriminate against Canadian livestock products, Canada will be seeking authority from the WTO to use retaliatory measures on U.S. agricultural and non-agricultural products," Canadian Trade Minister Ed Fast and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said in a statement.
Dive Insight:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported earlier this month COOL efforts add up to $2.6 billion each year for U.S. producers, packers, and retailers.
"NGA is encouraged by recent remarks from House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway indicating that he will introduce legislation to address the burdensome labeling requirements imposed by COOL," National Grocers Association president and CEO Peter Larkin said in a statement. "We look forward to working with Chairman Conaway and his colleagues to pass a legislative solution that upholds the quality of service consumers expect from meat departments and will not limit the variety of product offered at supermarkets."