Irish infection

Today’s news, that all pork products exported since September have had to be recalled due to health concerns, may revoke memories of BSE.

The two situations are different but health scares highlight the chasm between perception and reality.

This health scare may also ignite a debate about farming methods and food purity.

Whatever the results, it is to be hoped that Ireland’s pork industry which employs 7,000 people (1,200 of whom actively work on farms) and is worth £216m annually, is not severely affected.