The federal government and the Canadian Cattle Association say they will both be closely watching a new US meat labelling rule that was officially announced Monday.
According to a USDA news release, the “Product of USA” rule allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the US.
The rule, which will come into effect January 2026 will “prohibit misleading US origin labeling in the market and help ensure that the information that consumers receive about where their food comes from is truthful,” the USDA said. Currently, the use of the voluntary label can be used on meat from animals that may have been raised elsewhere and only slaughtered or processed in the US.
However, the CCA said in a statement Monday it is worried the rule may cause American buyers to be reluctant to purchase Canadian cattle.
“It is crucial to address any issues that threaten or diminish cattle and beef trade between Canada and the US,” said Nathan Phinney, President of CCA. “We are very concerned that the rule will lead to discrimination against live cattle imports and undermine the beneficial integration of the North American supply chain.”
The CCA said it will be monitoring closely for any segregation of cattle, which would impact beef producers on both sides of the border.
Meanwhile, a joint statement from Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Trade Minister Mary Ng said Ottawa is concerned about any measures that may cause disruptions to the highly integrated North American meat and livestock supply chains.
The government statement said the new rule will be raised during the agriculture ministers’ trilateral meeting with the US and Mexico scheduled to take place in Colorado later this month.
