EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8, Reg. No. 33-57065) pertaining to the UIC 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan of United Industrial Corporation and in the related Prospectus of our report dated May 23, 1997, with respect to the financial statements and supplemental schedules of the UIC 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Baltimore, Maryland June 24, 1997