Forum Topic

One you missed Richard

Trade Secrerary Liz Truss yesterday confirmed to the international trade committee that chlorinated chicken will not form any part of a trade deal with the US.She said 'there has been lots of scaremongering this is not something we are negotiating'the EU withdrawal act makes it clear that health and animal welfare standards will be maintained post brexit,.

Andy Pike ● 2175d16 Comments

The key point to watch in the trade deal is the NHS, and those services and products that support it. I really don't see how Trump expects this to help him win in November - when people start getting denied treatment or six/seven figure Bill's for Covid surely his support will crumble?https://www.npr.org/2020/06/26/883819835/obamacare-must-fall-trump-administration-tells-supreme-court

Michael Ixer ● 2174d

I don't think there are any rigorous definitions of what "organic" means, just certifications such as the Soil Association one. Having dealt with ISO9001 quality standards in the late 80s/early 90s and more recently with the ISO 27001 security standard I have a slightly cynical view of certifications. The main thing is get to know your supplier and their sources.

Michael Ixer ● 2174d

The regulations around the use of the word “organic” are pretty lax. Buyer beware.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2174d

"Moreover what is "organic?"Look it up. Educate yourself.

Sue Hammond ● 2175d

Matt. Just buy British produce and read the label to check its origins. Is it that difficult?

Sue Hammond ● 2175d

It is a key component of the US' requirements for any trade agreement that there will not be origin information on the products on supermarket shelves. So how would you know?Moreover, what is "organic" chicken but a scam, like organic fruit and vegetables - just a marketing device aimed at the  gullible.

Michael Winstanley ● 2175d

yet again Sue ignores the point about when the chicken/beef whatever is included in another product you dont have that choice.

Matt Palmer ● 2175d

@Sue. Thanks. I see it as good that the EU is auditing it's own members with regard to this and identifying illegal practices. Hopefully,  that will lead to remedial action. That's different to the US where chlorinated chicken, hormone injected cattle and generally poor welfare practices are promoted by Federal authorities in trade deals purely for cheapness. To avoid these completely you'd also have to stick to veggie/vegan food when eating out 🙂

Michael Ixer ● 2175d

Both on last nights sky news

Andy Pike ● 2175d

No absolutely not. Google is my friend.

Sue Hammond ● 2175d

Reading the Guardian Sue????    Wow!!!! 

Ivonne Holliday ● 2175d

Still banging on about chlorinated chicken?  Should it appear on supermarket shelves just don't buy it.  Buy British produce, free range, and organic.  Simple!As for animal welfare.  Britain maintains the highest standards in the world.  Unlike the EU:Abuse of animals rife on farms across Europe, auditors warn | Farm animals | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/14/farm-animal-abuses-widespread-across-europe-warn-auditorsYet another article ignored by forum Guardianistas.  No surprise there.

Sue Hammond ● 2175d

I am skeptical about Liz Truss' statement.  While I welcome with open arms the news that the EU withdrawal act makes it clear that health and animal welfare standards will be maintained post Brexit, this sadly is a contradiction of the possible terms of a UK/USA deal where chlorinated chicken, among others food products, must be included and accepted by the UK or there is no deal. 

Ivonne Holliday ● 2175d

Where did you see this Andy?

Matt Palmer ● 2175d

Well at least we can rest easy knowing we can get meat processed and packed to full EU standards from Westphalia in Germany.

Andy Pike ● 2175d

Well, good luck with that. Will health and animal welfare standards be maintained post Brexit? I hope so, but I have zero confidence in statements by Truss: we will see.

Richard Carter ● 2175d