Organizations File Motion to Intervene in COOL Lawsuit

WASHINGTONThe United States Cattlemen's Association (USCA), National Farmers Union (NFA), American Sheep Industry Association (ASIA) and Consumer Federation of America (CFA) filed a motion to intervene in the country-of-origin labeling (COOL) lawsuit. In March, the proposed rule to modify the labeling provisions for muscle cut commodities was filed. It would require the origin designations to include information about where each production steps occurred and it would remove the allowance for commingling of muscle cuts.

In July, the American Meat Institute (AMI), along with seven other organizations challenged the government regulations.

If the intervention is granted, USCA, NFA, ASIA and CFA will defend the COOL regulations. The government also filed its brief opposing the plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction saying the plaintiffs made the request without demonstrating that they are entitled to the emergency injunctive relief they seek.