In anticipation of the release of a World Trade Organization dispute settlement panel decision on whether the latest version of the U.S. program for country-of-origin labeling of red meat is WTO-complaint, a coalition of COOL critics has asked Congress to direct the Agriculture secretary to suspend indefinitely the revised COOL rule if it is found to be in violation of U.S. international trade obligations.

Canada and Mexico have challenged the revised rule for muscle cuts, arguing that COOL has a trade-distorting impact by reducing the value and number of cattle and hogs shipped to the U.S. market, thus violating the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative confirmed today that the WTO has issued its draft interim report, but said it could not comment on the contents “just yet” because they are confidential. USTR expects the final report to be translated and circulated to WTO members and made public later this year, a USTR spokesman said.

In the letter, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and other groups said that leaving the ruling in place if it is a violation could interrupt trade.

The National Farmers Union, which favors COOL, urged Congress to stay in the course.

“Urging Congress to repeal COOL laws before the WTO report is issued is just another desperate attempt to prevent consumers from having access to basic information about their food,” NFU President Roger Johnson said in a news release.

“NFU eagerly awaits the WTO report and will recommend a response if necessary,” Johnson said.

“Consumers have a right to know where their food comes from and our family farmer and rancher members agree. The WTO has already ruled that the U.S. COOL law is acceptable. There are many policy or regulatory options — if any are needed — that can be adopted in order to comply, although NFU feels the current COOL regulations are WTO-compliant.”

▪ Coalition letter to Congress