British officials were briefed on the possibility of permitting the import of chemically treated chicken, including products washed with chlorine, ahead of trade discussions with the United States, according to newly released documents. The disclosures come as the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) reportedly reviewed studies conducted in the US on the use of bacteriophage treatments and chlorine dioxide to reduce pathogens on poultry.

The documents, obtained through a freedom of information request by the campaign group 38 Degrees, show that ministers have been presented with options to modify existing UK hygiene legislation to potentially allow such chemical decontamination methods. Current UK rules prohibit imports of chicken treated with chlorine washes, a practice banned by the European Union since 1997 due to concerns about masking poor animal welfare and hygiene standards earlier in production.

During trade negotiations last year, US officials, including Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and White House advisor Peter Navarro, urged the UK to permit imports of US meat processed with chemicals like chlorine. Rollins described the UK’s refusal as unfair treatment, while Navarro dismissed sanitary restrictions as a pretext to block American agricultural products, expressing confidence that British consumers would prefer US beef and chicken once tasted.

The documents confirm that ahead of a December 2025 meeting between a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) director and representatives from the US embassy in London, high-level briefings outlined how UK rules might be changed to authorize new pathogen reduction treatments, including chlorine decontamination, subject to a rigorous risk assessment process. The FSA has also been evaluating the effectiveness of chemical interventions against campylobacter bacteria, with reports drawing on US studies expected to be published on its website later in May.

Matthew McGregor, CEO of 38 Degrees, criticized the revelations, saying they contradict government assurances that there are no plans to lower food safety standards. He expressed concern that officials appear prepared to adjust rules to accommodate US demands, warning that public opposition to chemical washes remains strong.

A government spokesperson reiterated that imports of chlorinated chicken remain illegal and emphasized there are no current plans to alter those rules. The spokesperson also reaffirmed a commitment to maintaining high food standards in future trade agreements.