Industry analysts have played down concerns about a possible backlash against Irish food companies in the wake of a high-level study linking processed foods to cancer. However, shares in the other main Irish food companies - Aryzta, Kerry and Glanbia - all rose despite investor concern that the findings may dampen demand for their products. “The study doesn’t help the public perception of any [FOOD]company’s product given its broad-range findings,” Investec’s food analyst Ian Hunter said. “The companies producing food directly for retail are likely to be under the most scrutiny from such a study,” he said. Study resultsThe study suggested “ultra-processed foods” such as fizzy drinks, packaged bread and cake, cereal and processed meats could increase the risk of cancer.

Source: The Irish Times February 15, 2018 18:22 UTC