Food crimes and the role of corporate actors in policing and regulating the food system

• In Event: EUROC 11 White-Collar and Corporate Crimes in Context I

Abstract

Economic crisis and socio-political changes can create risks for the integrity of the food supply chain and open space for regulatory non-compliant and criminal behaviours (food crimes). These endanger the safety and trust of the food system to the disadvantage of public health, food industry, and consumers. By raising issues for the security and resilience of the food supply chain, food crimes flag the fragility of modern food systems. While there is criminological research on the role played by corporate actors in perpetrating food crimes, the role played by the same type of actors as third-party regulators in facing these challenges and in guarding and regulating the food sector has been scarcely analysed.
Drawing upon qualitative interviews and documentary sources, this paper aims to expand the research on this issue by mapping food crime responsibilities and unveil if and how the private industry upholds rules and standards in preventing and monitoring different forms of dishonesty. Finally, using the case of the UK food market, the paper will shed light on how the food supply chain is regulated and policed in relation to the consequences of these standards for public health, food safety, and for the overall integrity and sustainability of the food system.

Author

• Alice Rizzuti, University of Hull