TradeReform.org - COOL Commentary--deadline approaching

COOL Commentary--deadline approaching

Written by Sara Haimowitz

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

The deadline is approaching. You have until Friday, June 26, 2009 to preserve the right to label products as American Made. Tell the U.S. Trade Representative to protect country of origin labeling from challenge by Canada and Mexico.

Dear Sir/Madam:

Please tell the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to protect country of origin labeling for meat and produce. CPA is making it quick and easy with online citizen action.

A major trade issue is the importation of unsafe food and manufactured goods, and consumer confusion as to the country making the food and manufactured goods. Farmers, ranchers and manufacturers have similar problems with imported product that masquerades as U.S. grown, raised or made. Consumers want to know where their food is from.

After a 14 year fight, farmers and ranchers achieved a win. U.S. law now says that meat, produce and seafood must be labeled, at retail stores, as to country of origin. Canada and Mexico, major exporters of pork and beef to the U.S., are challenging that law under the World Trade Organization rules.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has officially asked for public comment concerning this foreign government complaint. CPA is providing a way to comment until Friday, June 26, 2009.

Click here to quickly submit your comment to the Office of U.S. Trade Representative.