New U.S. meat labelling rules causing Canadian cattle industry concern
New meat labelling rules in the United States could have an impact on the ability of Canadian beef producers to move their product into its largest consumer market.
The changes are part of a decade-long battle between Canada and the U.S. over country-of-origin labelling (COOL).
Right now, ranchers in Canada can raise cattle and ship them to the U.S. for slaughter and still have them labelled as a product of that country.
That will change under the new rules, which were announced last week.
Once they take effect in 2026, only animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States will be able to sport the “product of USA” or “made in the USA” labels.
Canadian Cattle Association CEO Nathan Phinney says that will hurt producers and consumers on both sides of the border.
“Our concern is the U.S. is 70 per cent of our trading partners. We’ve worked diligently to harmonize our systems, whether it’s our food safety system or growing systems,” Phinney said.
“So, it’s everything that we stand for, and what we work on. Prescriptive measures like this could potentially hinder it or break it down.”
Retailers of the meat will not be required to place any labels on their product, but if they do, those labels will have to follow the more restrictive measures.