Meat Conference 2014: Regulations impacting the meat industry in 2014 and beyond

Country-of-origin labeling: The World Trade Organization will hear arguments tomorrow and Wednesday on Canada and Mexico's challenge to the latest COOL rule. A final ruling from WTO will come out by August or September, although whichever side loses is expected to appeal.

Food Safety Modernization Act: The proposed rule regarding transportion of food will apply to the meat industry. Processors that use imported spices on meat products will also need to be aware of the foreign supplier verification rule.

2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: It's possible the committee will recommend Americans “limit or avoid” processed meats. The committee will also look for the first time at issues of sustainability and food safety in making its recommendations.

FDA intends to finalize a rule on mechanically tenderized product labeling this year, but that may not happen.