Why has there been such a flap about chlorinated hen?
In American abattoirs, it’s normal apply designed to scale back ranges of micro organism like salmonella and campylobacter – the main supply of foodborne sickness within the US, in addition to right here within the UK.
The chlorine wash itself just isn’t the issue. Quite a few research have proven hint quantities of chlorine on meat pose no threat to well being, and we eat way more in our faucet water every single day than we might get from consuming it.
As a substitute, the argument behind the ban on chlorination right here within the UK and Europe is that it will possibly cowl up poor hygiene requirements in the course of the rearing or slaughtering of chickens.
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Throughout commerce negotiations, the US has lengthy argued that it’s simply an excuse for protectionism – a purpose to maintain considerably cheaper US hen out of British supermarkets and eating places.
However the principle purpose American hen is cheaper than ours comes all the way down to animal welfare requirements.
Within the UK, for instance, there are authorized limits on the variety of birds that may be crammed right into a shed.
Within the US, there are none – at a federal degree no less than.
The identical goes for lighting and bedding materials, additionally key for wholesome, glad chickens.
With larger stocking densities, decrease prices for lighting, bedding and having the ability to use antibiotics to spice up development – additionally banned right here within the UK – Massive Rooster in America can produce extra meat at a lot decrease price.
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A ban on chlorinated hen has successfully stored cheaper, lower-welfare hen out of the UK for many years.
The US and free market campaigners aren’t flawed: it has protected our farmers from competitors.
Nevertheless it has protected UK customers too – nearly all of whom care in regards to the lives of the animals they eat.
