Foreign food ‘must still meet’ standards

Food imports must meet British standards after Brexit or the domestic farming industry could be devastated, MPS have warned.

The Agriculture Bill must be altered to make sure future trade deals only allow goods that meet or exceed existing rules on production, animal welfare and the environment into the UK, the environment, food and rural affairs committee said.

Amid concerns that postbrexit deals could see importation of products like Us-produced chlorine-washed chicken, it urged the UK government to “put its money where its mouth is” and enshrine high standards into law.

The committee also criticised the government for not allowing MPS enough time to scrutinise the Bill effectively.

Committee chairman Neil Parish said: “The United Kingdom currently has exceptionally high environmental and food standards and an internationally recognised approach to animal welfare. This legacy cannot be ripped apart by the introduction of cheap, low-quality goods following our exit from the European Union.”

Produce including chlorine-washed chicken and GM crops are banned in the EU.