Government pledges food standards will not be compromised in US trade talks
27th January 2026
The UK government said it would “never compromise” on Britain’s high food standards, following reports that Donald Trump is demanding American chlorinated chicken be sold in British supermarkets.
According to The Telegraph, the White House has been pushing PM Keir Starmer to allow imports of hormone-treated chicken and beef as part of a new deal between the two countries.
However, while speaking with Farmers Guide, a spokesperson for the UK government emphasised that there would be no weakening of existing regulations, stating that the government “will never compromise on our high food standards, and any agricultural imports coming into the UK have to meet our high food SPS standards.”
The British Poultry Council’s chief executive, Richard Griffiths, explained that the UK has “excellent food safety” and applies world-class food hygiene from farm to fork.
“Our long rejection of the use of chemicals to clean up at the end of the process reflects our commitment to high standards and the root of our opposition to chlorinated chicken.
“Strong public opposition shows clear support for the standards we have worked hard to build, and the government has repeatedly pledged to uphold them in trade.”
Mr Griffiths said that allowing imports that fall short would undermine those commitments and create an unlevel playing field for British poultry meat producers.
‘British agriculture has nothing left to give’
NFU president Tom Bradshaw added: “It’s great to finally get confirmation that the reciprocal beef quota is now in place for the start of 2026, which will guarantee access for 13,000 metric tons of high-quality British beef to the US market annually.
“While this is undoubtedly good news, trade talks continue with the US pushing for even greater access to our market for their agricultural produce.”
Mr Bradshaw added that “British agriculture has nothing left to give” in terms of future deals with the US.
“So far, our government has stood firm, safeguarding our most sensitive farming sectors and upholding our high animal welfare, environmental and food safety standards.
“With the recently published Animal Health and Welfare Strategy looking to implement ever higher domestic standards, it would be irresponsible if the government did not take agriculture off the negotiating table.”
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