Food Safety at Stake – the Establishment of Food Agencies

Food safety regulation has a long history in public policy. It is an essential and valued state responsibility, vital in securing society order. The 1990s BSE-crisis had important political, institutional and economic consequences, and can explain recent institutional and political changes in the food policy field. New regulation, new organisation and new food agencies were established – existing ones were reorganized. Here, the establishment of the Food Standards Agency in Great Britain and the European Food Safety Authority in the EU is compared. Central policy documents are analysed in order to assess characteristics of the agencies and British and EU food safety policy. Central motivations include independence, scientific excellence and transparency. The desire to restore consumer confidence in food regulation and in regulating institutions is significant. Furthering European integration was an essential additional goal within the EU. The documents reveal a sincere interest in changing institutions, policy and regulation. At the same time, existing institutional arrangements and traditions continue to influence the field