FDF pushes for ‘common sense approach’ to US trade deals
According to trade group the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), the provenance and high quality of UK food and beverage is a unique selling point in international trade.
Earlier this week, the FDF's chief executive, Ian Wright, suggested food quality be taken into account when negotiating deals with the US. His statement follows concerns that chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef could be sold in the UK, now that it has left the EU.
“We urge UK and EU negotiators to take a common-sense approach to recognising equivalent food standards so we do not inadvertently raise barriers to trade,” he noted. “We are working closely with the UK Government to identify new trading opportunities and to keep tariffs, quotas, product checks and inspections at the border to the barest minimum.”
Wright continued: “The ultimate judge of the success of the forthcoming negotiations will be UK consumers and shoppers, who will rightly expect the same – or better – choice, quality and price for their food and drink.”
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, however, appears less concerned about the quality of US-sourced foods. In a speech on Monday (3 February), he dismissed [rumours] that American food is ‘somehow inferior’.
“I look at the Americans, they look pretty well nourished to me. And I don’t hear any of these critics of American food coming back from the United States complaining…So let’s take some of the paranoia out of this argument.
“It goes without saying that…we will not accept any diminution in food hygiene or animal welfare standards.
“I say to all the naïve and juvenile anti-Americans in this country, if there are any – there seem to be some – I say grow up and get a grip.”
Image source: GettyImages/Tanaonte
