The EU's farm ministers voted in favor of country of origin labeling (COOL) for pork, lamb and poultry last week. Beef is already covered by special regulations brought in to deal with bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

By a large majority the ministers approved the draft regulation on food information which includes new rules on country origin information for food products. Only the Italian delegation voted against the measure. The draft now goes to wider consultation and farmers, meatpackers and retailers whill have the opportunity to comment on the proposed labeling rules.(meatingplace.com)