FPC puts UK's E.coli losses at £54m

The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) believes the UK fruit and vegetable industry has lost £54m in cucumber, tomato and lettuce sales revenue since the German E.coli outbreak was incorrectly linked to fresh produce.

The trade association also reports a 30 per cent drop in bean sprout sales.

Nigel Jenney, its chief executive, said: 'UK authorities are hiding behind an over-application of the precautionary approach due to their lack of knowledge of the industry.'

Jenney claimed the lack of knowledge manifested itself in 'confusing advice about which sprouted seed products are implicated. UK consumers are being advised to cook products, some of which are meant only to be eaten raw.'

The FPC has called on the UK government to ensure the Food Standards Agency clarifies its advice to consumers, to launch a promotional campaign in support of the industry and to ask the European Commission to compensate affected UK businesses.