Badenoch MSP urges chlorinated chicken deal to be taken off the table
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Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes has accused the UK Government of failing to stand up for Highland farmers.
It comes after she accused them of opening the door to allow “chlorinated chicken” in Scottish supermarkets as trade agreement talks continue with the USA.
As part of discussions with President Trump’s administration, Westminster officials are considering watering down food standards as part of a deal – which could pave the way to chicken washed with chlorine and hormone-fed beef being imported to the Highlands and appearing on shelves.
As recently as January 2020, the UK Government had told farmers “we will not be importing chlorinated chicken”.
But Ms Forbes said last week Downing Street representatives refused to rule this out.
If the UK Government gave the move the green light, the local MSP said it would have a devastating impact on rural food producers in the Highlands and Islands.
The National Farmers’ Union has an online petition on the subject, which has already attracted over 800,000 signatures.
Ms Forbes MSP said: “The UK Government should be standing up for farmers and crofters in the Highlands and Islands, not undermining them.
“I know many are deeply concerned at the prospect of the UK Government opening the door to low quality imports such as chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated beef – that’s before we talk about all of the banned pesticides.
“Steamrolling ahead with such a trade deal would have disastrous consequences for our food producers in the Highlands and Islands.
“There are a lot of local producers in my constituency who work exceptionally hard to grow and sell quality produce.
"Instead of importing sub-standard food like chlorinated chicken, we should be doing everything we can to support them and buy locally.”
Chlorinated chicken, or chlorine-washed chicken, refers to poultry that has been treated with antimicrobial rinses in order to remove harmful bacteria.
Opponents have said the processing method leads to poorer welfare standards on poultry farms as hygiene is sacrificed for increased production. And so chicken is washed with chlorine and other chemicals to kill off harmful microorganisms such as salmonella.
The NFU petition can be signed here
