International Trade Law News

The Conference Committee considering H.R. 2744, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies fiscal year 2006 appropriations bill today agreed to delay the provision requiring mandatory country-of-origin labeling on beef, lamb, pork and other meat products until late-2008.

The meat country-of-origin labeling provision was originally included in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. In January 2004, President Bush signed Public Law 108-199 which delayed the implementation of mandatory country-of-origin for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish until September 30, 2006. Today's action will delay the mandatory country of origin labeling provision on meat until September 20, 2008.

The U.S. cattle industry and been pressing for the country-of-origin labels to help sell their beef to U.S. consumers. By contrast, the meatpacking and grocery industries have pressed for repeal of the mandatory country-of-origin labeling program and have advocated a voluntary labeling system. They claim that the costs of compliance with mandatory country-of-origin labeling will be in the billions and that such costs will lead to higher food prices. In addition, many U.S. trading partners have opposed mandatory country-of-origin labeling on grounds that it is a trade barrier disguised as a consumer protection issue.