US ambassador Woody Johnson calls for ‘delicious’ chlorine-washed chicken in the UK after Brexit Donald Trump’s ambassador insisted chlorine-washed chicken is ‘safe, nutritious and delicious’ as he contradicted the UK government’s stance

US ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson has suggested the roll out of chlorinated chicken in Britain.

While the UK is currently aligned to the EU’s strict food hygiene standards, campaigners fear that post-Brexit trade deals will lead to the adoption of lower standards from the US – where chickens can be raised in less hygienic conditions before being washed in chlorine and disinfectants to remove bacteria.

Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers made clear earlier this month that chlorine-washed chicken would not be allowed into the UK as part of the prospective trade deal with the United States.

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But in a letter to The Sunday Times, Woody Johnson insisted the issue should be kept on the table during the talks.

Chicken treatment

The ambassador dismissed fears over the use of chlorine washes, which he claims are “the most effective and economical way to fight food-borne illness.”

He wrote: “Your own Food Standards Agency has already approved antimicrobial washes to stop food poisoning in prewashed salads sold across the UK. Perhaps it should recommend including chicken in this treatment.

“Millions of Britons visit America every year and I would wager most eat chicken while there. Ask them and I am sure they will tell you that American agricultural products are safe, nutritious and delicious.”

Mr Johnson continued: “These products should absolutely be included in a US-UK free trade agreement that will create new markets for farmers from both countries and offer more choices to British and American consumers.”

‘Special relationship’ strained

The ambassador’s letter publicly contradicting the stance of the UK government comes at a time of unusually strained relations between the two countries on multiple fronts.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration threatened to place tariffs on British car exports if Chancellor Sajid Javid proceeds with a plan to tax the UK-based revenue of tech giants.

The UK and US governments have also publicly clashed over plans for Chinese tech company Huawei to construct the UK’s 5G mobile network.

Further complicating the relationship, the Trump administration has refused the UK’s request for the extradition of US intelligence officer’s wife Anne Sacoolas, who faces death by dangerous driving charges over the crash that killed British teen Harry Dunn near a security base in Northamptonshire.

Boris Johnson and Donald Trump spoke about many of the issues in a call on Saturday.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “They discussed a range of issues, including cooperation to ensure the security of our telecommunications networks.

“The Prime Minister raised the tragic case of Harry Dunn, and the need to secure justice for Harry’s family. He reiterated the need for the individual involved to return to the UK.”