A group of senators pushed back on Friday on the European Union’s support of restricting the use of common product names like bologna and black forest ham by U.S. producers.
The EU supports graphical indication restrictions on food products exported by U.S. companies under the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
Sens. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) were among a group of senators who said the restrictions would inhibit U.S. trade in a letter to U.S. Trade Representatives Michael Froman and Secretary of Agriculture Tom VIlsack.
“This is totally ridiculous,” Roberts said. “We cannot let the European Union slant the playing field to their advantage through absurd restrictions on what a food can be named. American producers should not be blocked from trading with other nations, especially those we have free-trade agreements with, based simply on what we name our product.”
The senators requested that the USTR and USDA work to ensure GI restrictions on common product names don’t impair the ability of U.S. businesses to compete domestically and internationally.
“America’s meat and other food manufacturers work hard to develop a product and brand that resonates with their customers,” Portman said. “If the EU succeeds in establishing trade guidelines that would restrict branding, it will take a bite out of U.S. exports and hurt jobs here in Ohio. I urge the administration to continue working aggressively to ensure the EU doesn’t impede U.S. businesses’ ability to compete domestically or internationally.”