American Meat Institute (AMI) expressed concerns over a March 12 USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposal on country-of-origin labeling for meat and poultry products. AMS says the new rule would bring the US into compliance with obligations under the World Trade Organization, but AMI says the rule is more burdensome than the 2009 regulations now in effect.

In urging USDA to withdraw the proposal, AMI Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel Mark Dopp said, “[the proposal] will give consumers information they aren’t truly seeking for a higher price and put companies out of business in the process. It will also irritate trade relations even further.” AMI’s complete comments can be found here.