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Canada Seeks Revisions to Requirement on Meat Custom Food Labels

Canada Seeks Revisions to Requirement on Meat Custom Food Labels

Country of Origin Meat Custom Food Labels Cause Concern

The ongoing saga of custom food labels on meat products is set to close by May 23.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented a requirement in 2009 for all meat labels to include the product's country of origin. The rule was put in place to create transparency for American consumers about their meat products, but Canada cites the rule has resulted in a drop of Canadian cattle and pig imports into the country.

Decline of US Meat Imports Due to Labels of Food Products  According to Reuters, Canada and Mexico went before the World Trade Organization to dispute the labels of food products within the U.S., and the U.S. is required to make the appropriate changes by May 23. Carol Guthrie, spokesperson for the U.S. Trade Representative, said the country is set to comply with the deadline.

Grain News, a Canadian agriculture site, reports that Canada has already implemented stricter label rules on tenderized meats that will come into effect on July 2. The move is to build Canadian consumer confidence in meat products, and increased inspections in processing plants may help improve E. coli bacteria controls.

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