Abstract
This paper critically engages with dynamics of the Chinese food safety governance infrastructure following the melamine crisis. It presents a qualitative analysis of 16 in-depth stakeholder interviews in Hunan, Hubei, and Henan. We reveal tensions between a segmented model of governance and a centralized model, between a centralized top-down model and stakeholder participation, and between a public model and a private, decentral market where corporate reputation must result in transparency and trust. Stakeholders also see gaps between ideals of inclusive, transparent, and participatory governance, and effective problem-solving. Governance of food safety in China, even when targeting inclusion and public accountability, remains heavily dependent on the central state as a pivotal actor.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 70-88 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Food Culture & Society |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 24 Mar 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2022 |
Keywords
- China
- milk
- food safety
- accountability
- governance
- risk communication
- risk assessment