UK will not accept chlorine chicken or hormone beef trade deal implications for agriculture

The UK’s environment secretary has firmly reiterated that the nation will not accept chlorine-washed chicken or hormone-fed beef, practices that are currently prohibited in both the UK and EU. This statement came during a meeting held in London with the US agriculture secretary, Brooke Rollins, who indicated that these methods may no longer be critical to securing a US-UK trade deal. Rollins highlighted that the US market is gradually moving away from these controversial production techniques, in response to shifting demands. Only 5% of American poultry is now treated with chlorine, reflecting evolving market practices over the last decade.

The use of chlorine in poultry production has long been a contentious issue, with concerns raised that such methods could mask poor hygiene and animal welfare standards. The EU has banned chlorine-washed chicken since 1997, creating an enduring trade dispute regarding US imports. Rollins noted that American farmers are increasingly prioritising production methods that align with consumer demands both domestically and internationally, as economic opportunities for higher-standard products emerge.

Hormone-fed beef has also drawn significant criticism, with concerns over potential health risks and its environmental impact. Rollins stated that some American beef producers are observing market preferences and gradually moving away from hormone usage to meet evolving global standards. Strengthening regulatory alignment between the US and the UK was highlighted as key to fostering agricultural trade without compromising on health and environmental benchmarks.

Last week’s trade deal announcement by the US president included new opportunities for UK beef producers to access the American market. This development marks a notable shift, though concerns persist among British farmers regarding tariff reductions for US-produced bioethanol, which could threaten the domestic industry. Discussion also turned to the potential for the US to meet the UK’s seafood demands as part of future negotiations, potentially reducing reliance on imports from China and Russia.

Peter Navarro, a White House adviser, previously criticised UK sanitary standards as barriers masking what he described as the “high quality” of US agricultural products. He claimed that British consumers might prefer American chicken and beef once they are introduced to it. However, fears remain that these lower standards could undermine local farmers’ competitiveness in the long term.

As trade discussions progress, both nations face mounting pressure to strike a balance between regulatory alignment and preserving health, environmental, and ethical standards. Agricultural imports, from beef to seafood, will continue to shape the future of UK-US trade relations while sparking vigorous debate among policymakers, producers, and consumers alike.