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Data Protection Declaration
Imprint
Analysis of changes in the culture of information of the food and feed control authorities and the companies operating in the area on the enactment of the Consumer Information Act (VIG) 05/01/2008
Project
Project code: 2808HS024
Contract period: 22.05.2009
- 31.12.2010
Budget: 96,300 Euro
Purpose of research: Inventory & Assessment
The findings of a comparative analysis of 93 Internet sites show, as a rule, that competent authorities at the federal and state level provide full information about rights and procedures. In contrast, there are a few good examples, but a lack of broad-based implementation at the regional and local level with regard to the Consumer Information Act remains. Legal provisions allow for the publishing of information despite the fact that no request for access to information has been received. The study makes clear the different positions of various actors and addresses their conflicting interests and claims using the debates on 'cheese analogues' and 'publications of negative list', for instance due to hygiene deficiencies in restaurant businesses. The results of the focus groups investigations provide useful hints for action points with regard to consumers' Internet search strategies as well as with regard to the comprehensibility, transparency and usability of consumer information and proactive approaches on the Internet. The German Federal Government and the German Länder provide financial support for consumer protection organizations to guarantee a high level of consumer awareness. Consumer protection agencies critically follow the setting into effect of the Consumer Information law. They publish analyses, statements and consumer information with regard to the procedures and effects of the Consumer Information Act. The study presents examples and experiences from two German states. Within the political debate, demands to establish a consumer's right to access certain corporate information have been discussed. Within the scope of this study food industry's Internet sites were analyzed with regard to possible changes in information culture as a consequence of the Consumer Information Act. 22 Internet sites of food retailers, producers and fast food restaurants were searched. According to the results, only two of the companies publish information about cheese analogues.
Section overview
Subjects
- Communication Sciences
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Institute for Futures Studies and Technology Assessment (IZT)
