Downing Street has welcomed talk of a quick deal with Donald Trump’s new administration but Theresa May has been warned by campaigners and politicians that a rushed trade deal with Donald Trump’s US administration could put the NHS, the environment and food safety at risk.
Chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee, Labour MP Mary Creagh, said: “A quick trade deal with Donald Trump runs real risks.”
Our food safety and environmental standards could be compromised if we simply open up our domestic markets to US interests without asking questions.
Ms May’s official spokeswoman said: “We welcome the commitment from the President-elect to engage with the UK on this, to work together to agree a deal quickly. That highlights one of the opportunities of the UK leaving the EU.”
The spokeswoman said that Ms May’s expected visit to Washington in the spring would provide an opportunity for “early discussions” on a UK-US deal, but stressed that Britain will respect EU rules which bar it from signing agreements with third parties so long as it remains a member.
For example, the US has limited restriction on pesticide use and remarkably different standards when it comes to matters such as GMOs, hormones, questionable chemicals and other additives.
Knowing the source and ingredients of all food supplied to your business is critical for compliance. All food suppliers should be approved as part of your Food Safety Management System. Approval can be achieved through certification to accredited third party verification (such as via BRC or SALSA) or your own audits.
Food Alert can advise and clients can use their online food supplier management system, available from FACT.
Contact us today on enquiries@foodalert.com or 020 7244 1900 if you have any questions about supplier approval and to further discuss how Food Alert can support you.