US Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Ted McKinney, has called on the UK to draft its own regulatory standards after Brexit and invest in American poultry.
Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference, McKinney described the EU as a “very difficult place to do business” and urged the UK to at least consider the “reset button” regarding food standards and environmental safety protocols.
Responding to reporters’ questions on the US food safety standards, McKinney commented: “We will hold our food safety and environment and animal welfare standards up against the UK any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
“The second thing is, we do hope that your consumers have at least the opportunity – we are not going to force feed anyone – but at least have the opportunity to invest in an American turkey or chicken or any other piece of protein that might be of their choosing.”
Addressing the much-debated issue of chlorinated chicken, he added: “As for chlorinated chicken, I am sick and tired of hearing about chlorinated chicken because it is not true.”
Speaking at the same event, Environment Secretary Michael Gove reiterated that Britain would not try to “win a race to the bottom”.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
