U.S. Sens. John Hoeven and Debbie Stabenow introduced legislation that would repeal mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for beef, pork and chicken and to establish a voluntary labeling program. On July 27, the senators addressed Canada’s objection to voluntary labeling, noting that Canada has such a program.
"Sens. Hoeven and Stabenow’s proposal in no way reflects Canada’s voluntary labeling regime – any suggestion of this is blatantly false. A voluntary regime as they propose does not require legislation,” said Ritz. "Should the United States move forward with their short-sighted proposal, Canada will have no choice but to impose billions of dollars of retaliatory tariffs on United States exports."
"By continuing the segregation of and discrimination against Canadian cattle and hogs, Sens. Hoeven and Stabenow's proposed measure will continue to harm farmers, ranchers, packers, retailers and consumers. It will cost American families thousands of jobs, and guarantee Canadian retaliation."
"The only way for the United States to avoid retaliation is for the United States Senate to follow the lead of the House of Representatives and Sen. Roberts and put forward legislation that repeals COOL once and for all."
