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Risk management under wraps: self-regulation and the case of food contact plastics

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  • Henry Rothstein

Abstract

This paper examines the reasons for the development and survival of self-regulatory regimes that manage risks to human health, using the self-regulation of food contact plastics in the UK from the 1950s to 1980s as a case-study. The self-regulatory arrangements are analysed from a control systems perspective and compared with the minimum arrangements that would be expected to correct for the market-failure characteristics of the risk. The paper finds that the self-regulatory regime failed to provide an adequate public interest response to potential market-failure. The regime, nevertheless, was sustained by three main factors: the political and interest group environment; transparency and accountability deficits; and, blame-avoidance behaviour on the part of central government. The paper concludes by considering the wider implications of this study for the self-regulation of health risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Henry Rothstein, 2003. "Risk management under wraps: self-regulation and the case of food contact plastics," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(1), pages 61-74, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jriskr:v:6:y:2003:i:1:p:61-74
    DOI: 10.1080/1366987032000047806
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Baldwin, Robert & Cave, Martin & Lodge, Martin, 2011. "Understanding Regulation: Theory, Strategy, and Practice," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, edition 2, number 9780199576098.
    2. Hood, Christopher & Rothstein, Henry & Baldwin, Robert, 2004. "The Government of Risk: Understanding Risk Regulation Regimes," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199270019.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ching Leong & Michael Howlett, 2017. "On credit and blame: disentangling the motivations of public policy decision-making behaviour," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 50(4), pages 599-618, December.
    2. Rothstein, Henry, 2002. "Neglected risk regulation: the institutional attenuation phenomenon," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 35989, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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