The agricultural sector represents a perfect example of a strong demand for a rapid
change in regulations. The BSE crisis in Germany in 2000/2001 may be seen as an
example of such an incremental change. The question arises: how such change can be
stimulated? This research paper argues that global food safety crisis might cause rapid
food regulation policy alteration on a national level. Special role here plays intense public
reaction to the danger due to its sensitivity to environmental threats, which partly
stimulated politicians to an adequate reaction. Might this reaction be considered as a sign
of a Good Governance?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Good Governance
3. What is BSE?
3.1 Historical context
2.2.BSE as a problem of European Law
4. Germany 2000/2001
5. Analysis of the rapid change in German agricultural policies
6. Conclusions
7. Summary in foreign language
Objectives and Research Focus
This paper examines the impact of the BSE crisis in Germany during 2000/2001 on the nation's agricultural policy and governance structures, questioning whether the government's response aligns with the "Good Governance" concept. It specifically analyzes how intense public reaction to food safety risks stimulated legislative and institutional change.
- The evolution of food safety regulations in response to the BSE crisis.
- Application of the Good Governance framework to national crisis management.
- The institutional restructuring of German agricultural and health ministries.
- The influence of public risk sensitivity on political decision-making and reform.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Historical context
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as "Mad Cow Disease", is a fatal brain disease that affects cattle. BSE is one type of a group of prion diseases referred to as Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). TSEs are fatal diseases that cause spongy degeneration of the brain and severe neurological symptoms (comp. INSTITUTE OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2001; BROWN 2001). The origin of BSE is not known yet. According to one theory, the agent consists of "transmissible misshapen prions" that are capable of interacting with normal prions to induce their transformation to "transmissible prions". The transmissible prion damages the brain and spinal cord of cattle by causing sponge-like lesions. The subsequent wasting of the brain causes the characteristic “mad behavior” of the afflicted animal: nervous or aggressive conduct, abnormal posture, lack of co-ordination or difficulty in rising from a lying position. It has a long incubation period of several years, but kills afflicted cattle within weeks after manifesting itself in the animal. (IMORT 2001: 2).
The route of transmission of BSE is still not proven. The prion is believed to be a self-replicating protein. It is thought so far that cattle may have become infected with BSE when being fed meat and bone meal or rendered products made from BSE-infected carcasses. Other possible routes and causes of transmission have still not been ruled out (BROWN 2001: 841f, www.ifst.org). The prion located in the brain is highly stable, resisting freezing, drying and heating at normal cooking temperatures, even those used for pasteurization and sterilization. That means that the agent can enter the human food chain, where it can cause Variant Kreutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD). Essentially, the symptoms of this disease in humans are the same as those of BSE in cattle, and the disease is equally fatal (BECK, KEWELL, ASENOVA 2007: 7). To date, over 150 cases of Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease have been reported in the UK, France, Ireland, Czech Republic, USA, Canada...etc. (wikipedia.pl)
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the research challenge of food safety governance and outlines the objectives regarding the German BSE crisis of 2000/2001.
2. Good Governance: Defines the principles of Good Governance as a tool to mediate civil political conflicts and manage social risks.
3. What is BSE?: Provides a scientific overview of the BSE disease and analyzes its historical emergence and status as a problem of European Law.
4. Germany 2000/2001: Details the timeline of the first BSE cases in Germany, the resulting political outcry, and the immediate governmental response.
5. Analysis of the rapid change in German agricultural policies: Evaluates the institutional changes in Germany and reflects on whether these measures satisfy the Good Governance criteria.
6. Conclusions: Summarizes how the BSE crisis acted as a catalyst for a globalized approach to food safety and administrative reform.
7. Summary in foreign language: Provides a condensed overview of the entire study in the Polish language.
Keywords
BSE, Food Safety, Good Governance, Germany, Agricultural Policy, Risk Management, Prions, Public Policy, Crisis Management, Institutional Change, Consumer Protection, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, European Law, Food Regulations, Public Discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the German BSE crisis of 2000/2001 and how it triggered significant transformations in German agricultural and food safety policies.
What are the central themes covered in the text?
Central themes include the intersection of globalization and food safety, the concept of Good Governance, risk management in politics, and the influence of public opinion on regulatory changes.
What is the main objective of the study?
The main objective is to analyze whether the government's response to the BSE crisis can be considered a demonstration of the Good Governance concept.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a descriptive and analytical approach, combining scientific background on BSE with an evaluation of political processes and administrative reforms through the lens of Good Governance indicators.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the medical and historical aspects of BSE, the evolution of European legal frameworks regarding food safety, and a detailed look at the political turmoil and policy shifts in Germany during 2000 and 2001.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include BSE, Food Safety, Good Governance, Risk Management, Institutional Change, and Consumer Protection.
How did the German government change its administrative structure after the BSE crisis?
The government abolished the former Ministry of Agriculture and replaced it with the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture, and established new bodies like the Federal Office of Risk Assessment.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the "reality test" of the crisis?
The author concludes that while not all Good Governance characteristics were perfectly met, the BSE crisis served as a positive catalyst for ending outdated agricultural policies and improving national risk management.
- Quote paper
- Elzbieta Szumanska (Author), 2009, Food Safety Crisis in Germany, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/128150
