Giant chicken and fake Tesco delivery vans have descended on London supermarkets as campaigners demand firm guarantees on chlorinated chicken.
The stunt, organized by campaign group 38 Degrees, featured actor and presenter Adam Bricht wearing a chicken costume next to a van with a parody sign parked outside the store.
This comes amid speculation that a future US-UK trade deal could allow imports produced to different food standards, such as chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated beef, which are currently prohibited under UK rules.
Activists said they wanted assurances from Britain’s biggest supermarket that it would “never stock” such products, regardless of any future trade deals.
About 130,000 people have signed a petition asking the Big Ten supermarkets to veto chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated meat, the group said.
The campaign also encourages direct contact with supermarket managers. It said more than 2,800 supporters had sent emails to chief executives who had not given full assurances, including 928 messages to Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy.
In messages shared by organizers, customers warned they would “shop elsewhere” if Tesco did not commit to a permanent ban, while another urged the retailer to “absolutely” not stock the products.
Several major supermarkets, including Waitrose, Aldi, Co-op and Asda, have publicly said they will no longer sell chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef.
Some people said they had “no plans” to stock such products. Activists say this does not amount to a binding commitment.
Campaign group 38 Degrees says around 130,000 shoppers have signed the petition.
According to a poll cited by 38 Degrees, 68% of British people oppose bringing chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated meat into the UK.
Veronica Hawking, campaign director at 38 Degrees, said shoppers were concerned that standards could be diluted.
“British shoppers will not tolerate a drop in food standards,” she says.
He added that Tesco, like some of its competitors, should “never” offer guarantees, and quipped that other supermarkets had responded with “but maybe chicken?”
Tesco has been approached for comment. The retailer has previously said it complies with all UK food standards and regulations.
The demonstration reflects ongoing debate over how UK food standards may be affected by international trade negotiations and whether supermarkets should offer permanent guarantees to customers.
The outcome could test how firmly big retailers are prepared to stick to existing sourcing policies as trade talks change.
