Keep US meat off our plates..
■ Your reports and the recent Dispatches programme about the American chicken and meat imports that may be coming our way were extremely concerning.
Two American former food inspectors have condemned chlorine-washed chicken as lethal because of the chemicals used and the sub-standard processing.
Our Government has rejected referrals by our farmers and food campaigners to enshrine food standards in British law – a move rejected by the Lords this week. This Government is in denial, despite warnings by experts.
Profit seems to be more important than health, and our agriculture and farming industry will also face a major decline if standards aren’t protected.
So, not only do we have to contend with the devastating Covid- 19 virus, our high food standards are also under attack, which would adversely affect the health of all of us. David Bonomi, Bristol
■ I have read the articles in the Mirror and have seen the Dispatches programme regarding the disgusting and dangerous way food is produced and processed in the US. I wonder how anyone could think it’s a good idea for our country to import this substandard meat in order to secure a trade deal. I presume Boris Johnson and his government won’t be eating it, so that’s why food standards don’t matter to them.
In the light of the health issues that have arisen, I’m
also wondering if the big agriculture companies have shares in or are owners of any part of the US’s private health system.
Mary Gazzard, Dudley, West Mids
■ I have been reading your exclusive reports on American poultry farms, but it was so upsetting I had to stop. If the present Government agrees to US food imports, especially chicken and meat, everyone should boycott it. Tests have proved that a large number are carrying salmonella and E.coli, and hospitals are busy enough without adding another pandemic. I, for one, will check every label for the origin of any chicken and meat I buy. Christine Almond, Wigan
■ Your report about American chicken on Tuesday confirmed what I have suspected for some time, that there is no way we should import their chlorinewashed chicken. The same goes for their hormone-filled beef and veg.
The US takes too many short cuts
producing food and it’s had a devastating impact on health. Tony Howard
Salford, Greater Manchester
■ One main concern is that no one will know where this chicken and meat is in the food chain. What about ready meals, sandwiches, restaurants and takeaways?
The country of origin rules need to be tightened so people know what they’re eating. Sue Gowans, via Facebook
■ The US can keep its hormone-fed meat. We don’t need it. British or Irish beef is far healthier than their contaminated produce.
The Government must not bow to pressure from the US to lower food standards.
Edward McMahon Warrenpoint, Co Down
■ I sincerely hope MPs take a huge stand against importing im hormone-injected meat m and filthy chlorinated chicken c from the US. Just for once, BoJo, put the t British food suppliers and a public first.
Denis Sewell Redcar, North Yorks