The UK can't have it both ways on food standards when it leaves the EU, Scottish rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing has said.
Trade secretary Liam Fox is currently in discussions over a US-UK trade deal whilst another minister, Defra secretary Michael Gove has said food standards will not be compromised.
Mr Ewing has said the current situation is 'concerning and confusing.'
"The EU-wide food safety and animal health and welfare standards which Scotland and the UK currently adhere to are some of the highest in the world.
"The USA at present has some way to catch up on our standards.
"For example, the EU has banned the importation of certain foods which are produced in a particular way, including hormone-treated cattle or chlorine washed poultry.
"Scotland and the UK proudly boasts a gold standard level of animal welfare, the chicken industry is no exception.
"The quality of the food we eat is of the utmost importance and we expect a high standard of welfare in our production process. It is imperative that any trade deal agreed in the wake of the Brexit process does not compromise our values in this area."
Media 'obsessed'
The Lords urged the Government to include high farm welfare standards in any trade agreements negotiated post-Brexit and said there was no reason quality should slip after the UK leaves the bloc.
A spokesperson for Theresa May said: "Our position when it comes to food is that maintaining safety and public confidence in the food we eat is the highest priority and any future trade deal must work for UK farmers, businesses and consumers."
Mr Ewing said British producers need confidence that current welfare rules will still apply as a high standard to keep competitive in the future.
"Consumers will also seek assurance that the high safety and quality standards of the food they buy are maintained," he said.
Dr Fox said: "The British media are obsessed with chlorine-washed chickens, a detail of the very end stage of one sector of a potential free trade agreement."
