October 10, 2007

Canadian meat industry protesting US labeling laws

Canadian beef and pork producers are protesting the US plan for country of origin labels and traceability rules on beef and pork products.

Although the labelling plan would not violate any international trade rules, it would result in extra costs of CAN $500 million  (US$505 million) per year, according to the Canadian Cattleman's Association and the Canadian Pork Council.

The labeling would require US importers of Canadian cattle and pigs to slaughter them separately from US animals.

The packaging of the meat would be labelled with "From Canada and the United States". For animals born in the US, the label would read "Product of the USA".

Canadians fear sales of Canadian animals to slaughterhouses and supermarkets would be affected due to the inconvenience and cost involved.

Canadian groups are calling on the government to lobby US senators to prevent the law from passing. However, an official challenge cannot be launched by the federal government until the law comes into force.

Executive director of the Canadian Pork Council, Martin Rice, said it would be better for Ottawa to fight the law before it comes into effect and not after as this could take years.