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

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.