Is there a cover-up?

TWO weeks ago, meat produce was impounded after a Food Standards Agency inspection of a Russell Hume factory in Birmingham. A wider investigation followed into five other factories and last week all production was halted.

Despite having serious concerns, it was only on Tuesday that the watchdog began to recall meat distributed around the country. The first the public knew was when JD Wetherspoon withdrew its steaks.

Now we learn meat has been supplied to Jamie Oliver restaurants, Hilton hotels, Butlins holiday camps, Greene King pubs, and schools and care homes.

Yet still the FSA refuses to say what the problem is – or explain the delay in warning consumers. Officials need to come up with answers, and quickly.