Which? response to Unison research on public fears regarding lowering of meat standards in future US trade deal

Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection and Food Policy at Which?, said:

“Our research has shown consumers value the UK’s high food standards and most people believe food produced to a lower standard should not be available in this country.

“It is vital that the nation’s health is not used as a bargaining chip in negotiations for future trade deals, so the government must legislate to prevent imports produced to lower standards, such as chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef, from entering the UK.

“The opportunity must be taken to use trade deals to build upon the UK’s rights and standards by pursuing an ambitious trade agenda that sets the gold standard globally in delivering for consumers.”

Notes to editor

Which?’s Brexit Consumer Tracker found:

• More than nine in 10 (93%) of people think it is important to maintain food standards after Brexit.
• Nearly three quarters (72%) think food from countries with lower standards should not be available.

Statement