OTTAWA—Canada may resume its discrimination complaint with the World Trade Organization over a new U.S. law requiring retailers to provide country-of-origin labeling (COOL) on fresh beef and pork if President Obama decides to revise them, reported Bloomberg News.
Canadian Trade Minister Stockwell Day said the COOL law is creating undue trade restrictions and harming Canadian exporters.
Obama has ordered a review of the rules that become effective on March 16. The rule covers muscle cuts and ground beef, lamb, chicken, goat and pork; wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish; perishable agricultural commodities (specifically fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables); macadamia nuts; pecans; ginseng and peanuts.
Commodities covered under COOL must be labeled at retail to indicate its country of origin. For fish and shellfish, the method of production—wild or farm-raised—must be specified. Commodities are excluded from mandatory COOL if the commodity is an ingredient in a processed food item.
The final rule outlines the requirements for labeling covered commodities and the recordkeeping requirements for retailers and suppliers. The law provides for penalties of up to $1,000 per violation for both retailers and suppliers not complying with the law.