European food scares and their impact on EU food policy

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to chart the wide range of food scares reported throughout the EU over the period 1986‐2006 and explores their impact on EU policy.Design/methodology/approachThere is much extant research that solely investigates the occurrences of specific food scares, however; little emphasis is given to the responses of policy makers. This research aims to narrow this gap in the literature by reviewing the major food scares, which have occurred throughout the EU and the subsequent policy responses.FindingsA number of food scares have dominated media reports over the last two decades, but this study reveals the increasing emergence of rare serotypes of foodborne pathogens, as well as a rising trend of EU‐wide contaminant and animal disease‐related food scares. Simultaneously, there is evidence of evolution from a product‐focused food policy to a risk‐based policy, which has developed into a tentative EU consumer‐based food policy. Inevitably, in a market of 25 member‐states the concept of food quality varies between countries and therein justifies the need for responsive policy development, which embraces the single market philosophy.Research limitations/implicationsA typology of EU food scares is advanced and discussed in detail, with comments being made on their impact. In addition, the paper highlights the complexity of a EU consumer, which has led to a need for research into the maximisation of the satisfaction of purchasers by reinsuring their individual “right to choose”.Originality/valueThis paper provides a unique insight into a wide range of European food scares (e.g. microbiological, contaminants, animal disease‐related) and EU policy makers' responses to such food scares.

Food scares: a comprehensive categorisation

“…There are many different types of food scares, with recent examples in the UK including: bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) (Latouche et al, 1999); dioxins ( Jacob et al, 2010); E. coli (DeLind and Howard, 2008); genetic modification (GM) (Shaw, 2002); Horse Meat Scandal (O'Mahony, 2013); Listeria (West, 2008); Salmonella (Knowles et al, 2007); and severe acute respiratory syndrome infected meat (Smith, 2006). While each of these may vary in its cause, its timing, the product(s) involved and its geographical spread, there are similarities between certain scares.…”

“…Thus when a problem arises or is suspected at some point in the supply chain, identification of the source is frequently problematic, and the ability of actors to quickly and efficiently address the problem is often limited. Hence the probability that a threat to food safety (whether serious or trivial, real or just suspected) will escalate into a food scare has increased, causing a dramatic increase in the number of food scares reported (Knowles et al, 2007;RASFF, 2014).…”

“…The term "food scare" is used in contrasting and contradictory ways (Knowles et al, 2007). A commonly used definition of a food scare is a "confirmed outbreak of foodborne illness [that] leads to a marked and relatively sudden fall in consumer demand" (O'Doherty Jensen, 2011).…”

“…In the studies selected, Knowles et al (2007), Sanders (1999) and Yeung and Morris (2001) specifically identify "microbiological" as a category. In contrast, Brewer et al (1994) and then later Brewer and Prestat (2002) situate "microbiological" within the wider categorisation of "spoilage", which incorporates concerns for food safety due to …”

“…While prions are not living cells they can legitimately be included within a "microbiological" classification because they can only be viewed with a microscope, and they have the ability to replicate themselves. Knowles et al (2007) include foot-and-mouth disease and Avian Influenza in this category. Although neither of these diseases pose a known risk to human health, the perceived uncertainty surrounding the affect upon human health is sufficient to impact upon consumers' purchasing behaviour (Brewer and Prestat, 2002;Mazzocchi et al, 2008) and thus they warrant inclusion in any comprehensive typology.…”