The key quote
'They’ll slash food standards to match those of the US, where what are called 'acceptable levels' of rat hairs in paprika and maggots in orange juice are allowed'
Jeremy Corbyn
Analysis
This isn’t right. It is fair to say that in general the US has less stringent food hygiene rules than the EU. And it’s possible that the UK could move towards lower food safety standards as part of a trade deal with the US.
But claiming that rat hairs in paprika and maggots in orange juice are “allowed” in the US — and implying that they’re not in the UK — is a misrepresentation of the facts.
That’s because the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines levels of contaminants in certain foodstuffs above which it automatically takes enforcement action against poor manufacturing practices. If food is contaminated below those levels, enforcement action can still be taken. The FDA says “it is incorrect to assume” that because these levels for mandatory action exist “the food manufacturer need only stay just below that level”.
While maximum levels are set for harmful chemical contaminants, there are no limits in the UK or EU on what level of foreign bodies in food warrants enforcement action.
Verdict
US food hygiene standards are generally less stringent than the EU — but it’s misleading to say these levels for contaminants are “acceptable levels”.
Full Fact is the UK’s independent factchecking organisation. For sources and more factchecks go to fullfact.org
