Study Suggests Country-of-Origin Labeling Has Not Hurt U.S. Meat Imports

Mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) has not impaired meat exports to the U.S., says Auburn University professor Robert Taylor.  In new analysis of COOL’s impact released Thursday, he wrote that, “COOL has not had a significant negative effect on the price paid for imported slaughter cattle relative to comparable domestic cattle, COOL has not had a statistically significant negative effect on imports of feeder cattle relative to U.S. feeder cattle placements, and COOL has not had a negative impact on imported cattle for immediate slaughter.”  Decreased demand for cattle imports may been caused by “turbulent economic times” rather than the implementation of COOL, Taylor suggested.  Last fall, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled against the U.S. for a second time in its dispute with Canada and Mexico concerning COOL. WTO stated that the labeling rules unfairly discriminate against meat imports and give the advantage to domestic meat products. The U.S. is appealing the decision.  The dozens of companies and industry organizations that make up the COOL Reform Coalition have been asking Congress to ensure that the U.S. is in compliance with international trade obligations in order to prevent Canada and Mexico from retaliating against various U.S. exports.  Taylor said his findings differ from previous studies conducted on behalf of Canadian interests because his study “uses more robust data sources to assess the impact of COOL on market access.”