Canada to 'Closely Review' New Product of USA Regulations for Meat, Poultry and Eggs
Two Canadian ministers will "closely review" proposed voluntary “Product of USA” labeling regulations for meat, poultry and egg products issued by the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service March 7 (see 2303070053), making sure “that new definitions and rules allow farmers, processors and consumers in both countries to continue to benefit from efficient, stable and competitive markets,” their joint statement March 7 said. Minister of Agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau and Minister of Trade Mary Ng also said they would oppose “any proposition from the United States to renew a mandatory country of origin [labeling] system for pork and beef.”
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The proposed regulations would allow certain meat, poultry and egg products to be labeled as a “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA" if they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the U.S. The labels would remain voluntary. “These proposed changes are intended to provide consumers with accurate information to make informed purchasing decisions,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a news release.
The Canadian ministers said they "will participate in the U.S. rule-making process to ensure that these changes conform to the U.S.’ international trade obligations and do not disrupt supply chains. ... [and] will work with the U.S. to ensure that new definitions and rules allow farmers, processors and consumers in both countries to continue to benefit from efficient, stable and competitive markets.”