New deal with US includes meat imports

Switzerland’s new customs agreement with the United States is reopening the sensitive debate of meat imports.

The deal grants the U.S. quotas for beef, bison, and poultry, though imports of chlorine-treated chicken remain banned and would require a legal change. 

Major retailers aren’t interested anyway. All say American meat doesn’t meet their standards, and they prefer Swiss products.

Consumer groups are cautious, but the meat industry notes that 80% of what Swiss people eat is domestic, and the limited import volumes shouldn’t affect prices or quality.

In the end, shoppers will decide.

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