"Cool" labeling in the world of meat packaging could be a thing of the past.

While an appeal from Washington is expected, A World Trade Organization panel agreed with Canada and Mexico recently that US labeling requirements treat their livestock less favorably than domestic beef and pork products.

Canada and Mexico, which initiated the dispute in December 2008, said they weren't challenging country-of-origin labeling as such but claimed the manner in which the requirements were applied  unfairly distorted competition.

From a ranch just outside Airdrie on Friday, Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said the ruling marked a "clear win" for Canadian beef, pork and other livestock producers, while Trade Minister Ed Fast said the global trade body was clear that US country-of-original labeling rules, or COOL, were discriminatory.

The US has 60 days to appeal the decision.