The U.S.' Country of Origin Labeling Act (COOL) was passed in Washington as part of the 2002 Farm Bill. Starting in 2008, COOL ordered U.S. retailers to notify their customers, by way of labeling, on the sources of many meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, and some nuts sold in their stores. In November of 2011, the World Trade Organization (WTO) declared that the law violated parts of the WTO's Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). Even though Washington appealed the ruling last March, the WTO Appellate Body upheld its decision, stating that COOL "has a detrimental impact on imported livestock."
COOL gives consumers the right to decide whether to buy U.S. or imported meat.We ask that our government defend this consumer right and take a stand for our nation's sovereignty.