COOL Case Dismissed

The American Meat Institute, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and six other plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture in July 2013 challenging the legality of Country-of-Origin Labeling regulations. U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Danni Beer says that case has been dismissed by stipulation of the parties. USCA has long believed COOL was consistent with U.S. legal obligations and the nation’s rights as a World Trade Organization member. Beer says the court litigation removes any challenge to the legality of the regulations under U.S. law – for now. Consumers want more information on where their food comes from – and Beer says U.S. cattle producers believe informed consumers will prefer U.S. beef – but the WTO challenge by Canada and Mexico to COOL isn’t over. She says consumers and producers are entitled to accurate information on where beef products are born, raised and slaughtered. The WTO Appeal process continues – and Beer says it’s important that members of Congress review a recent study by Auburn University Professor Dr. Robert Taylor and understand the difference between rhetoric being used by COOL opponents and the commercial reality Canadian and Mexican competitors have actually faced.