When it comes to uk looked at ways to ‘open doors’ to us chlorinated chicken, foi request shows, documents obtained through a freedom of information request reveal that British officials explored the potential for importing chlorinated chicken from the United States prior to a meeting with the US embassy. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also been examining American studies on the use of bacteriophages and chlorine dioxide as methods for pathogen removal in poultry.
Despite repeated assurances from UK ministers that there are "no plans" to permit the importation of chlorine-washed chicken, the documents suggest that discussions surrounding this controversial practice have occurred behind closed doors. The FSA's inquiries into chemical treatments coincide with heightened pressure from the Trump administration during trade negotiations, where US officials have sought greater access to UK markets for American agricultural products. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Understanding UK Looked At Ways To ‘open Doors’ To US Chlorinated Chicken, FoI Request Shows
According to the released documents, high-level briefings were prepared for a meeting between a director from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and representatives from the US embassy in London around December 4, 2025. The briefings indicated that it would be feasible to amend UK hygiene regulations to allow for the importation of chemical-washed chicken. Specifically, the documents stated, "Pathogen reduction treatment rules (including decontamination with chlorine) are set out in UK hygiene legislation. The legislation provides for new substances to be authorised for use, only after a rigorous UK risk analysis process."
The potential shift in policy raises significant concerns among food safety advocates, who argue that the use of chlorine washes could mask inadequate hygiene and animal welfare standards earlier in the food supply chain. The EU has prohibited this practice since 1997, leading to ongoing disputes regarding the importation of US chicken products.
US Pressure During Trade Negotiations
During the trade discussions last year, US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins expressed that American agriculture was being treated "very unfairly" by countries like the UK. She advocated for the UK to accept "all meat" from the United States, including products that do not meet current British welfare standards. Additionally, White House adviser Peter Navarro criticized existing sanitary regulations as a "phoney tool" designed to suppress what he described as superior American agricultural products. Navarro asserted that once British consumers tried American beef and chicken, they would prefer it over local options.
This pressure from the US has heightened scrutiny on the UK government, as many consumers remain adamant about maintaining high food safety standards. The concept of chlorinated chicken has become a flashpoint for public debate, evoking strong reactions from various consumer advocacy groups.
Public Outcry and Consumer Concerns
Matthew McGregor, CEO of the campaign group 38 Degrees, stated, "These documents uncovered by 38 Degrees prove that while the government is publicly telling us they have 'no plans' to lower our food standards, behind closed doors it's a different story." He emphasized that the possibility of relaxing food safety standards to accommodate US exports is troubling for consumers, who have expressed a clear opposition to chlorinated poultry products.
McGregor further commented that a mere change in policy could occur swiftly, stating, "A 'plan' can change with the stroke of a pen. With officials being briefed on exactly how the UK could open its doors to chlorinated chicken in order to appease Donald Trump, it seems nothing's off the table." The sentiment among the public is that they want more than just assurances regarding legislative processes; they demand a definitive guarantee that the integrity of UK food standards will not be compromised.
As discussions around food safety and trade continue to unfold, the implications of these revelations will likely reverberate across the political landscape. The future of food imports, particularly concerning controversial practices such as chlorine-washing, remains uncertain. As the UK navigates its post-Brexit trade relationships, the public's insistence on high food standards will be a crucial factor in determining the direction of future policies.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.