Canada objects to U,S. labels

 

Canadians have reacted swiftly and strongly to another move by the United States to label meats and poultry products as U.S. products.

The voluntary system was announced Monday by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack speaking at the annual meeting of the National Farmers Union.

Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Trade Minister Mary NG said the “meat and livestock sectors in Canada and the United States work closely together” and that Canada intends to raise the issue during the agriculture ministers trilateral meeting with United States and Mexico scheduled to take place in Colorado later this month.

The Canadian Cattle Association called the rule “the most onerous standard in the world.”

“It is crucial to address any issues that threaten or diminish cattle and beef trade between Canada and the U.S.,” CCA president Nathan Phinney said in the statement.

“We are very concerned that the rule will lead to discrimination against live cattle imports and undermine the beneficial integration of the North American supply chain.”

The Canadian pork industry has not yet issued a statement, but is likely to echo the CCA.