A ruling by the appellate body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) affirmed that the United States has the right to apply country-of-origin labels and that the labeling regime itself does not restrict trade. The appellate body did say that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had to adjust some provisions in order to be fully compliant with WTO requirements. USDA followed a carefully considered, open and transparent process as it crafted changes to the rule, which provides consumers with additional information on where each of the production steps for cattle — born, raised and slaughtered — occurs. The final rule complies with the WTO ruling and is consistent with U.S. law. We strongly support it and urge you to defend COOL.
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