Sources in Northern Ireland’s retail sector were voicing dissatisfaction yesterday at an apparent lack of detailed guidance on the pork contamination scare.

The Food Standards Agency has advised people not to eat any pork products from either part of Ireland.

But, unlike its counterpart in the Republic, it did not instruct stores to withdraw stocks or tell consumers to dispose of products bought since September 1.

As the day progressed yesterday, supermarket chains in the province made separate announcements on decisions to withdraw products from the shelves.

Sources in the sector told the Belfast Telegraph of their frustration at not receiving prompt and detailed guidance.

There was also uncertainty last night about the rights of Northern Ireland consumers who have already bought pork products.

A spokeswoman for the province’s Consumer Council declined to comment, saying that the issue was not part of its remit.