The Government has announced a major review of the scientific testing of food in Scotland as it presses ahead with plans for an independent Food Safety Agency.

Scottish Health Minister Sam Galbraith announced yesterday that an independent group headed by a public health expert would take a fresh look at it. Experts are baffled as to why Scotland suffers from the highest rate of food poisoning in the UK.

The review will focus on the scientific services offered to local authorities needing tests on samples of food.