The Complexities of Trade and Food Standards: A Brexiteer’s Perspective

As the UK enters a new era post-Brexit, the debate over food standards has become increasingly prominent. The recent discussions around sanitary standards for imported goods have raised several questions about the responsibilities of each country involved.

U.S. Push for Lower UK Standards

The U.S. has expressed a desire for the UK to reduce sanitary standards on imported goods. While the U.K. government needs to consider this demand, it’s important to question whether the U.S. should be holding itself to a higher standard. The U.S. is known for stringent food safety regulations, yet it also experiences higher levels of food poisoning. This could be due to both poor standards and factors such as environmental conditions, as seen in states like Florida and Texas which are known for their hot climates.

Comparing American and British Food Standards

One of the key differences between the two countries is their approach to food standards. Americans value choice and accountability, whereas the British have fewer but more protective food standards. The U.S. allows consumers to choose between some of the best and worst food options in the world. This is in part due to their reliance on free trade and consumer choice. However, as a country that doesn’t believe in socialist medicine, the U.S. is wary of government dictate on food practices.

For instance, the U.S. has a unique method of cooking chickens using pressure cookers, which can result in some very unconventional (and potentially unhealthy) food products. The government does not dictate what people should eat, and charges them for the privilege if they choose to do so. This stands in contrast to the UK, where there is a higher degree of food safety regulation intended to protect consumers.

The Controversy Surrounding Chlorinated Chicken

A key point of contention is the issue of chlorinated chicken. The U.S. chickens are often treated with chlorine for disinfection, which is banned in the UK. The UK has defended its standards, arguing that chlorinated chickens do not meet their safety and quality standards. The U.S., on the other hand, sees this as a barrier to free trade and a potential restriction on consumer choice.

It is worth noting that consumers in the U.K. have the power to influence these decisions. Many supermarkets, including Tesco, can stop importing chlorinated chicken if consumer demand is low. This highlights the importance of consumer choice and the role it plays in shaping the food trade landscape. While the U.K. can’t force the U.S. to change its standards, the U.S. cannot force the U.K. to import contaminated products.

Consumer Power and the Future of Trade

Looking forward to Brexit, there is a hope that the U.K. will begin to import better quality foods. This includes fresh produce from countries outside the EU, such as South Africa and Italy. The U.K. can indeed take control of its food standards and insist on higher quality products. This is not only beneficial for consumers but also for the environment.

For example, British tomatoes and Yorkshire apples are renowned for their taste and quality. When these products are not available, consumers often turn to substitutes from other countries. However, these alternatives are often of lower quality and are frequently discarded as inedible. This highlights the need for stricter food standards to protect consumers and the environment.

It is time for the U.S. and the U.K. to re-evaluate their trade policies and consider the long-term impact of such decisions on public health and the environment. The power of the consumer should not be underestimated. By making informed choices, consumers can drive change and shape the future of food trade.