Chlorine-Washed Chicken

American chicken is washed in chlorinated water (at concentrations of 20-50ppm) to kill bacteria after slaughter. The EU banned chlorine-washed poultry in 1997 — not because the chlorine itself is dangerous (it dissipates), but because they argue it's a crutch that allows lower hygiene standards earlier in the production chain. "If you need to disinfect the final product, the process was contaminated," is the European logic. This became a major trade dispute during Brexit negotiations, as the UK debated allowing US chicken imports. The EU requires farms to prevent contamination; the US allows it and cleans up after. Both claim their chicken is safe.