News

Two WTO dispute panel requests blocked

A couple of WTO dispute panel requests were blocked on Friday. The United States blocked a request by Canada and Mexico requesting a WTO dispute panel to look into the U.S. Country of Origin Labeling rules. The two countries contend COOL has made U.S. processors reluctant to buy Canadian and Mexican livestock and meat.

Also on Friday, the European Union blocked a U.S. dispute panel request to look into a European ban on U.S. poultry because of a pathogen reduction process. The process is not allowed in the EU while the U.S. contends there is no scientific reason for the ban.

Under WTO rules, members have the right to block a dispute panel once, so it is expected both requests will be made again and the process will move forward. Reports say the Canadian-Mexican request could come up as soon as November 19th.