Will Swiss consumers soon see chlorine-treated chicken on supermarket shelves?

According to the NZZ am Sonntag, the federal government is considering lifting the import ban on US poultry washed in chlorine – a practice banned in both Switzerland and the EU.

The move could ease trade tensions with Washington, as agriculture remains one of the few areas with high tariffs after Switzerland scrapped industrial duties in 2024. Critics argue chlorine treatment masks poor animal welfare and hygiene standards on US mega-farms. 

If imports are allowed, the meat would have to be clearly labeled. 

Whether Swiss households will actually embrace it remains to be seen.

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