Fears over hazardous foods are incomprehensible, a study released on Tuesday (16 September) by the Cologne Institute for Economic Research (IW) said.

The debate around TTIP has been surrounded by many evocative images - chlorine-washed chicken, hormone-treated meat, and genetically modified food.

Many observers believe TTIP's ratification could mean weaker and lower food standards. The IW, which has close ties to employers' associations, hopes the study will help demystify the issue.

"There is no scientific proof that chicken disinfected with chlorine can be hazardous to health," said IW director Michael Hüther, indicating assessments conducted by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

With increasing media attention given to the TTIP juggernaut, it was only to be expected that neoliberal propagandists will come to the rescue. But the above seems to be an attempt too weak and transparent.

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}