Voluntary COOL still not OK: Ritz and Fast

Two U.S. senators have introduced a bipartisan bill which would replace mandatory country-of-origin labelling for meat within a voluntary program, but it doesn’t impress Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast.

The bill is intended to bring the U.S. into compliance with a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling in May that the mandatory program discriminates against Canadian livestock producers. It was introduced by Senators Debbie Stabenow (Democrat/Michigan) and John Hoeven (Republican/North Dakota). It would establish a voluntary “Product of the U.S.” label for beef, pork, chicken, and ground meat products that are from animals born, raised, and harvested in the U.S.

“COOL serves an important role for consumers and industry. However, the WTO has been clear that we must find a solution that is consistent with our international trade obligations,” Stabenow said in a statement.

“If consumers in Canada have the right to know where their food comes from through a voluntary labelling system, then American consumers should have the same,” Stabenow said. “This bill is a path forward and will encourage international trade while giving families peace of mind.”

However, the compromise fails to satisfy Ministers Ritz and Fast.

“Senator Stabenow’s COOL 2.0 fails to address Canada’s concerns and would continue to undermine our integrated North American supply chains,” they said in a statement.

“By continuing the segregation of and discrimination against Canadian cattle and hogs, Senator Stabenow’s measure will harm farmers, ranchers, packers, retailers and consumers on both sides of the border.”