Organic Ireland

Food suddenly appears to have become fraught with danger. In the wake of rising obesity figures, the debate over GM food, BSE and new variant CJD, buying organic is often seen as a panacea for all.

But is organic food actually any better for us, or has the organic label simply supplanted the Aga as the ultimate symbol of family values?

Last month the state of California announced it planned to sue nine top food manufacturers - including Burger King, Heinz and McDonald's - over their reluctance to issue warnings that some popular snacks could contain a potential cancer-causing chemical.

Attorney general Bill Lockyer argues that the state's anti-toxics ...