Why E coli outbreak has left service sector feeling sickly

Chronic underinvestment root of problem, says James Moore

- James Moore

Britain is a services superpower. From retail and hospitality to the financial sector, "services" account for a dominant part of the UK economy - just over 80 per cent, in terms of both gross domestic product and employment.

So when the service industry is hit by a crisis - say, by a major recall of pre-packed sandwiches, wraps and salads due to possible contamination with E coli - we all feel queasy.

Last week, product recall notices were issued on 45 different sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major supermarkets and high-street retailers – including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, the Co-Op, and the pharmacy chain Boots – following hundreds of reports of bacterial infection.

A second sandwich manufacturer, Samworth Brothers Manton Wood, which supplies Tesco and One Stop convenience stores, recalled a further 15 products amid fears of possible E. coli contamination.