Nigel Farage supports the sale of chlorine-washed chicken in UK trade deal

In recent discussions concerning UK trade deals, particularly with the United States, Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, expressed his willingness to allow the import and sale of American chlorine-washed chicken in Britain. This stance aligns with broader negotiations to enhance trade relationships post-Brexit, particularly in agricultural sectors. The use of chlorine-washing is controversial, as it involves treating poultry with chlorine to eliminate harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. However, critics argue that this method can compromise food safety standards and enable poorer practices in animal husbandry. Additionally, recent reports indicate that a significant percentage of American chicken carries harmful bacteria, raising concerns about public health implications. Following this dialogue, public opinions have remained staunchly opposed to chlorine-washed chicken imports, with polling showing that as of 2020, an overwhelming 80 percent of the British population rejected the idea. The UK government has, at times, been cautious, as previous Prime Ministers, including Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, have ruled out concessions related to the importation of hormone-injected beef and chlorine-washed chicken due to public pressure. Moreover, consumer safety groups have raised alarms about the lack of transparency in labeling such products, making it difficult for consumers to know if their chicken has been treated with chlorine, as there are currently no such labeling requirements in place for chicken sold in the UK. Consequently, British consumers could unwittingly purchase and consume chlorine-washed chicken unless regulations are amended.