A WTO-Compliant Version of Mandatory COOL?
A reinstatement of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling? It could be on the horizon with the reintroduction of the American Beef Labeling Act. The legislation would require the U.S. Trade Representative, in consultation with the USDA, to develop a World Trade Organization-compliant means of reinstating MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment.
The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association is praising the announcement. I spoke to President Justin Tupper on Thursday about the effort they’ve been fighting for for years…
“We think there’s a definent path forward and are excited to see Senator Thune reintroduce it.”
He says it comes down to choice for the consumer and truth in labeling…
“Right now they can comingle beef that comes in from foreign countries, a much cheaper product, and it’ll get a safe USDA stamp on it. But we’d like to make sure that the consumer has a choice and can look at the product and say, ‘I want to support our local ranchers and I want to buy a product of the USA.’”
Mandatory COOL, of course, existed for a while before being shot down in a WTO challenge.
“I think under this administration, he’s made it an emphasis to push USA-products and this is right up that alley.”
Justin Tupper, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association.
