Two reports this week have given conflicting signals to the food industry. A study of the attitude of transition year students showed they did not share the suspicion of their elders on the subject of genetically modified food, a finding that will give a boost to the controversial biotechnology sector.

Less comforting was a report into consumer attitudes in Britain, carried out by the Co-op group. It found people viewed the food on their plates with suspicion, even fear. More disturbing, they do not trust food manufacturers - including farmers and scientists - retailers or the government to act in their best interests.

It appears that after BSE, salmonella in eggs, listeria in chicken and general unease over chemicals in the production of meat, fruit and vegetables, the industry has a long way to go to restore its tarnished image among today's consumers.

Dominic Coyle can be contacted at dcoyle@irish-times.ie