A federal appeals court says it will hear arguments on May 19 before the court’s full panel of judges in a challenge by the meat industry to U.S. meat-labeling rules, says Canadian Press. The rules require cuts of beef, pork and poultry meat to carry labels saying where the animals were born, raised and slaughtered. The U.S. rules also are being challenged at the World Trade Organization by Mexico and Canada.
The appellate court initially refused to consider an injunction against the labels. But on Friday, it decided to re-hear the case. The meat industry along with allies in among livestock groups says the rules are onerous and costly. Consumer groups and some farm groups say the rules satisfy a shoppers have a right to know about the food they are buying.