Federal and provincial ag ministers, and Canadian ag industry groups, are united in their disappointment in a recent U.S. decision regarding meat packaging.
Under a new U.S. Voluntary Country of Origin Labeling (V-COOL) rule and beginning in January 2026, meat, poultry and egg products can have a “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label if the products are from animals born, raised and processed in the U.S.
Under current regulations, cattle born and raised in Canada can be transported and processed in the U.S., and labeled as being an American product.
Creating barriers for Canadian beef is unacceptable, two federal ministers said.
“Canada remains concerned about any measures that may cause disruptions to the highly integrated North American meat and livestock supply chains, Trade Minister Mary Ng and Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAula