Winnipeg, October 20 – The World Trade Organization has ruled that amended US Country of Original Labeling (COOL) rules still unfairly discriminates against Canadian and Mexican cattle. The ruling applies to both beef and pork.
The compliance panel found that the amended COOL measure violates Article 2.1 of the TBT Agreement because it accords to Canadian and Mexican livestock less favourable treatment than that accorded to like US livestock.
This treatment includes increased segregation of meat and livestock according to origin; entails a higher recordkeeping burden; and increases the original COOL measure’s incentive to choose domestic over imported livestock.
The WTO determined that the measures undertaken by the US introduced new potential for label inaccuracy, and continued exemption of a large proportion of relevant products.
For years Canada and other trading partners have complained that the provisions contained under COOL are inconsistent with the United States Obligations under the WTO agreement.
Officials from the Canadian government and meat sector are expected to address the ruling later October 20.
