Trade officials representing Mexico and Canada have each filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) opposing the new U.S. law on country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for fresh beef, lamb, chicken and pork, according to the Associated Press.
WTO received Mexico's official complaint on Dec. 18, which, in turn, begins a 60-day consultation period between Mexican and U.S. authorities. Mexico can then request the WTO to assemble an investigation panel. Punitive sanctions can be the result of such trade disputes, but usually after years of litigation. Earlier this month, Canada's government filed its complaint, saying it was concerned the U.S. rules were discriminating against Canadian agricultural exporters.
Reprinted from Meatpoultry.com