As expected, the Canadian Pork Council has released a statement opposing new labeling regulations in the United States that allow “Product of USA” claims on meats.
It said it’s disappointed the government did not take into account comments from the pork industries on both sides of the border.
“We are pleased the Government of Canada has already indicated it will be looking at options to correct the protectionist nature of these proposed regulations, and we ask the federal government to be vigilant to protect our market access,” said council chairman René Roy.
The Canadian Cattle Association took a similar stand.
But the decision has support from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), whose president, Marc Perrone, lambasted the practice of repackaging meat that originated outside the U.S. as American, as ‘trickery’ and ‘cheating.’
“Now, consumers can shop with confidence, knowing that when they buy products with the USA label, their money will actually go toward supporting America’s ranchers and meatpacking and processing workers,” Perrone said in a statement.
The union echoed U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack who said when the announced the new regulations last week that “this final rule will ensure that when consumers see ‘Product of USA’ they can trust the authenticity of that label and know that every step involved, from birth to processing, was done here in America.”
He said in a statement that accurate labeling equips smaller producers with a compelling and truthful messaging that helps them compete more effectively.
That could be interpreted as an admission that the regulations hinder trade and are protectionist.
