A deal with the US after Brexit could mean massive increase in the amount of cancer-causing toxins in milk and baby food, the Independent reported.
Compared to the stricter rules imposed by the European Union, American regulations allow more than 20 times the quantity of harmful aflatoxins in food products, it said. The US also allows products made with nuts and cereals to have higher levels of carcinogens which damage the DNA and make cells more prone to becoming cancerous.
While US regulations permit 0.5 micrograms per kg of aflatoxins in milk, cereals, nuts and dried fruits, the EU restricts the levels to 0.025 micrograms — twenty times lower, Independent reported.
In all milk and dairy products, EU limits are 10 times lower at 0.05 micrograms per kg.
Critics are warning British ministers from pursuing a quick trade deal with Washington. This would weaken safety standards, they warn.
Recently, there was a furore over whether chlorinated chicken would flood the UK after a trade deal with the US.
