Can we use a National Animal ID system on our livestock for COOL verification purposes?
A. Packers that slaughter animals that are tagged with an 840 Animal Identification Number device without the presence of any additional accompanying marking (i.e., “CAN” or “M”) may use that information as a basis for a U.S. origin claim. In addition, animals that are part of another recognized official identification system (such as a Canadian official system or a Mexican official system) may also rely on the presence of an official ear tag and/or any accompanying animal markings (i.e., “Can”, “M”) to base origin claims. Participation in a NAIS program is voluntary, but does provide a livestock producer “safe harbor” for COOL compliance. Q.
