'Safety is top priority'

The UK's food industry insisted today that preparing for a potential terrorist strike was a "top priority".

Supermarkets and manufacturers say they are aware they could be perceived as a target and have held high-level meetings to receive security updates.

While reassuring the public they were doing all they could to guarantee the safety of supplies, they also stressed they had received no information about an imminent threat.

The head of MI5 delivered a speech last night in which she said it had broadened the number of organisations it advised on anti-terrorism measures.

Eliza Manningham-Buller, director general of the Security Service, warned that this included the food sector which may now present a "very attractive target for terrorists".

The Food and Drink Federation, which represents manufacturers, said it was aware of the need to be prepared for any threat.

"The food industry has been mentioned because it is something that is vital to everyone in this country," said a spokeswoman.

"We feed the nation and any disruption would have a huge effect.

"I think that is why it is given as an example of what could be a threat. Safety is our number one priority."

Supermarkets have called for guarantees over the supply of food to be included in any future civil contingency plan.

Sainsbury's confirmed that meetings had taken place to discuss the issue of possible terrorist attacks.

"We have regular contact with Government departments, the Security Service and the police along with other supermarkets," the company said in a statement.

"We are regularly updated on any necessary security information and have plans in place to ensure the safety of our customers and colleagues."

A Tesco spokesman said: "It is important to make clear that there is no specific threat."