WTO Rules Against U.S. On Country of Origin Labeling
The United States lost yet another case decided by the World Trade Organization (WTO) today. The WTO dispute panel ruled in favor of Mexico and Canada in saying that U.S. country of origin labeling laws (COOL) constituted an unfair trade protection against foreign producers. This is just the latest in a long line of losses for the U.S. in the WTO. In nine out of 10 cases brought against it the United States comes out on the losing end.
Canada and Mexico are cheering the ruling as a victory, but this marks a big loss for American consumers. The United States Trade Representative is considering its options, and will likely appeal the ruling.
“Although the panel disagreed with the specifics of how the United States designed those requirements, we remain committed to providing consumers with accurate and relevant information with respect to the origin of meat products that they buy at the retail level,” the U.S. Trade Representatives office said.
The WTO ruled only on the effect of COOL laws on meat from imported animals. COOL laws are still applicable on other types of food, such as nuts and vegetables.
Although some producers found the law to be cumbersome, it represents a major step in ensuring the safety of American consumers. Without accurate information about the origin of their food, Americans cannot make informed decisions about the safety of their food. Imported food may contain drugs and chemicals not approved for use in the United States, and without information about the origin it is difficult to track the source of problems.
This is just another in a long line of outcomes in WTO cases that work against the best interest of the United States. These WTO rulings are often costly to the U.S., and always work against our ability to determine what the best course of action is for our country.
Economy in Crisis has prepared a new report that documents all of the cases that the United States has lost in the World Trade Organization. Entitled “Summary and Analysis of World Trade Organization Cases Lost By The United States,” the report reads as a history of economic setbacks. It appears that nearly every action the United States takes to protect its domestic industries is ruled to be illegal by the World Trade Organization.
