In the wake of the UK signing trade deals with the US and India, Aldi has pledged to stick to its existing high food safety and welfare standards in Britain.
UK rules currently prohibit imports such as chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef, which are commonplace in some markets. However, the British farming industry has raised concerns that current regulations could be watered down in future post-Brexit trade negotiations.
In a statement today, Aldi UK said it was committed to maintaining its existing sourcing standards as a minimum, meaning no meat, poultry or dairy products will be sold in future that do not meet the discounter’s high standards.
“British farming is known for its high welfare, food safety and environmental standards, and we know how important that is to our customers,” commented Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK and Ireland.
“That’s why 100% of our everyday fresh beef, pork and poultry is sourced from British farms, and why we’re guaranteeing that we won’t lower our standards even if others do.
“This isn’t just about food safety. It’s about protecting British farmers and doing the right thing for our customers.”
The pledge builds on Aldi’s long-established policy of sourcing all of its core fresh beef, pork, poultry, milk and eggs from British farms, all of which are Red Tractor-approved.
After pledging to spend a further £3.5bn a year with British suppliers by the end of this year back in 2020, Aldi recently announced it had surpassed this goal by spending more than £14bn with UK businesses in 2024.
NAM Implications:
- Worth keeping in mind that the UK has some of the highest standards in food.
- And that these are in danger of being compromised…
- …as the government struggles to generate positive headlines.
- All UK retailers should regard Aldi food standard policies as a pointer in terms of their own offerings.
- Patently with the supporting strategies of UK suppliers…
- …this has to be a no-brainer.
