• There are genuine food scares and there are false food scares.

• There are self interest groups who will promote food scares.

• The volume of press coverage is unrelated to the seriousness of a scare.

• When politicians believe that the press coverage reflects public opinion the duration of a food scare increases.

• There are no food scare referees.

• Journalists lack confidence in government announcements.

• Many scientific topics are lacking in full factual knowledge.

• Food scares incorporate agricultural, veterinary, medical and supply knowledge.

• Interdisciplinary awareness is not guaranteed.

• Food ethics concerns support food scares.

• Sales of food are not related to nutritional benefit.

• The food chain is big business with many small players.

• There will be more food scares.

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