article_snippet: the practice has been banned in Britain and Europe for many years because of a determination to remove harmful bugs at source, rather than using disinfectants to clean up carcasses.
article_snippet: There are also concerns that reliance on these washes could put consumers at risk by playing a part in the creation of superbugs.
article_snippet: The proposal has alarmed consumer groups, who say The proposal is at odds with European policy, which has been designed to remove harmful bacteria from the birds on farms, rather than relying on disinfectants.
article_snippet: This was done as a precaution and because This could mask poor hygiene standards, as well as harm the health of workers in abattoirs and lead to pollution.
article_snippet: ’ BEUC said allowing the use of these chemical treatments opens the door to lower hygiene standards on farms and in slaughterhouses.
article_snippet: This is because producers may believe producers can wash away any contaminants, rather than ensuring producers are not there in the first place.
article_snippet: The European consumer organisation BEUC said: ‘We are concerned that PAA washes will not deliver any extra safety net.
article_snippet: Rather, we see the risk they might be seen as a convenient substitute for good slaughter hygiene.
article_snippet: The availability of such treatment might lead slaughterhouse staff to be less vigilant on preventing carcass contamination to happen in the first place, hence putting consumers’ health at risk.
article_snippet: BEUC is also concerned that bugs might mutate and become immune to the chemicals used in the washing process, so getting through to the meat sold in supermarkets and restaurants.
article_snippet: The British Poultry Council said the UK and European tradition of trying to keep harmful bugs out of the food chain, from farm to fork, was better for the public than relying on chemical disinfectants.
article_snippet: Chief executive, Andrew Large, said: ‘Chemical treatments should never be used as a substitute for good hygiene practice. '