Of Mice and Men: European Precautionary Standards Challenged by Uncertainty
Language
en
Article de revue
This item was published in
Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics. 2015, vol. 28, n° 5, p. 867-883
Springer Verlag
English Abstract
For several years, the official European method for deciding whether or not shellfish were fit for human consumption was the mouse bioassay, which was eventually replaced by chemical testing. In this paper, we examine the ...Read more >
For several years, the official European method for deciding whether or not shellfish were fit for human consumption was the mouse bioassay, which was eventually replaced by chemical testing. In this paper, we examine the process of this change, looking at how devices of social, technical, and organisational risk management were re-negotiated locally, nationally, and across the continent. We also show how the political decision to replace a precautionary standard with a management-vigilance device was the result of various dynamics. These included unpredictable events (sanitary crises, unknown toxins, etc.), enhanced scientific knowledge, collective mobilisations (corporate bodies, public controversies), and multi-level statutory, commercial, and ethical orders.Read less <
English Keywords
Arcachon bay
Food security
European precautionary standards
Uncertainty
Scientific expertise
Origin
Hal imported