A bill introduced in the Senate on Thursday would change Country-of-Origin meat labeling from mandatory to voluntary—a move that clashes with a bill passed in the U.S. House earlier this summer to repeal COOL. Former Senate Agriculture Committee chair Debbie Stabenow introduced the legislation. Stabenow says the Voluntary Country of Origin Labeling and Trade Enhancement Act of 2015 would comply with the WTO ruling by removing certain meat products from the mandatory labeling program. The WTO ruled against mandatory COOL for the fourth time earlier this year. But, Senate Agriculture chair Pat Roberts introduced an amendment to repeal COOL. Roberts said “whether you support COOL or oppose COOL, the fact is retaliation is.” Chairman Roberts has opposed COOL from its inception.
Source: NAFB News Service