May
20
Written by:
host
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
U.S. country of origin labeling law referred to as "COOL" has brought a heated trade battle between effected countries Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Taking effect March 2009, U.S. enacted country of origin labeling laws on beef, pork, lamb, fish and other agriculture products imported into the United States from Mexico and Canada.
On its face, this law does not seem to merit the controversy it has received. It is well known that most trading countries require origin markings for imported goods. However, Canada and Mexico contend this is disguised protectionism which has consequently impacted their cattle industry with a projected loss of 400 million. This loss is namely due to operating and recordkeeping cost needed to meet the mix labeling requirement, that specifies producers must notate on the label the country of origin for the various stages of food processing. In the case of ground beef, an animal born in Canada, slaughtered in Mexico and finally ground in the U.S., requires labeling to state Canada, Mexico and U.S. as country of origins. Admittedly this is unique, as U.S. country of origin regulations for other products and countries allows for some form of majority calculation for separate parts to be the determining factor in electing one country of origin.
Yet supporters of the law argue that this is in the best interest of American consumer. It allows consumers to know where their food comes from. In the event of a health warning on a particular product, country of origin allows the consumer to avoid said import. It is also intended to reduce America's carbon footprint by allowing American consumers to select products with the least transportation mode. Can Canadian and Mexican food producers deny the premise of this law is globally and consumer conscience. However historically one cannot discount that protectionism does not always come in the obvious forms i.e. duty increases, quotas and antidumping. What is your take?
For more information about COOL visit USDA website.
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