EU parliament attacks proposal to lift ban on US 'chlorine' poultry

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

STRASBOURG (AFP) — The European parliament attacked Thursday plans by the European Commission to lift an import ban on US poultry washed in chlorine, which has attracted fierce opposition from member states, consumers and farmers.

A non-binding resolution passed by a large majority of the parliament meeting in Strasbourg said the proposal "is out of step with both the European public's food safety and hygiene expectations and the demand for production models ... which ensure that high hygiene standards are maintained throughout the production and distribution process."

"It would be likely to undermine European consumer confidence in foodstuffs sold within the European Union, which remains fragile following the food safety problems that have arisen within the Union...