WTO approves $1 billion in tariffs in retaliation against US meat labeling rules

The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled today that Canada and Mexico can slap more than $1 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods in retaliation for meat labeling rules it says discriminate against Mexican and Canadian livestock.  The U.S. Congress in 2008 during its debate of the Farm Bill made Country-of-Origin Labeling  (COOL) mandatory for beef, pork and lamb products, requiring meat be labeled with the country from where the animal was born/hatched, raised and harvested.  During conference committee negotiations, chicken was incorporated into the legislation voluntarily. “I am keenly aware that chicken and fowl could be at the top of the list for retaliation by Canada and Mexico, and that this labeling law continues to leave the door open for retaliatory action by other countries, too,” said National Chicken Council (NCC) President Mike Brown in response to today’s announcement by the WTO.  “NCC supports legislative action that will bring U.S. laws and regulations pertaining to meat and poultry into full compliance with our international trade obligations.  NCC urges Congress to repeal the labeling provision for chicken, beef and pork now.” Read More