Tighter U.S. Rule on Imported Meat May Cost $192 Million

Canada vowed to escalate a dispute with the U.S. over plans to impose stricter country-of-origin labeling rules for meat that are opposed by industry groups on both sides of the border.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said yesterday it will tighten provisions that specify where animals are born, raised and slaughtered, even after the World Trade Organization backed complaints from Canada and Mexico that challenged the policy. Canada will examine all of its options, including appeals or retaliatory measures through the WTO, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said.