Consumer Protections at Stake in Trans-Atlantic “Trade” Deal

A “trade” deal only in name, the Trans-Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) would require the United States and European Union (EU) to conform domestic food and product safety standards, financial regulations, climate policies, data privacy protections and other non-trade policies to TAFTA rules – rules that are being negotiated in secret.

Some products and services that do not meet U.S. health and safety standards could be allowed into our markets. State and local governments could be forced to weaken health and safety standards and give up long-standing tools for local job creation. And the U.S. could be required to conform to new standards negotiated for corporate convenience, instead of standards developed through state and national laws over decades. The goal is to finish the sweeping deal by the end of 2014.