Based on an EU workshop at the end of 2005, the book discusses risk and our food supply. The introductory chapter will discuss all aspects of risk and how it applies to food, from risk classification to risk management. Following a discussion of risk, the authors will present three different case studies that will emphasize the following issues:

What do we want as individuals, as a society
What is the political context of the risk discussion
When do we act and what are the costs of not acting/acting
International trade and legal issues
Moral dimensions of decision making
How do we deal with the disproportionate "power" of the various stakeholders
Rationality/emotive aspects of argumentation (connection between perception /live experiences, knowledge)
What are facts- and do they change with time
Psychological aspects: rapture of trust; the need for certainty; connection between danger, fear and risk

Based on an EU workshop at the end of 2005, the book discusses risk and our food supply. The introductory chapter will discuss all aspects of risk and how it applies to food, from risk classification to risk management. Following a discussion of risk, the authors will present three different case studies that will emphasize the following issues: * What do we want as individuals, as a society * What is the political context of the risk discussion * When do we act and what are the costs of not acting/acting * International trade and legal issues * Moral dimensions of decision making * How do we deal with the disproportionate "power" of the various stakeholders * Rationality/emotive aspects of argumentation (connection between perception /live experiences, knowledge) * What are facts- and do they change with time * Psychological aspects: rapture of trust; the need for certainty; connection between danger, fear and risk

Today, we are surrounded by a multitude of different chemicals that are essential components of our everyday life. As a consequence, there are various hazardous substances like dioxins, phthalates and flame-retardants circulating in the environment. These have an impact on ecosystems, wildlife and possibly human health. In recent years, the phenomenon called endocrine disruption has raised considerable concern. This book discusses the scientific basis of this issue using epidemiological and experimental in vitro and in vivo data about chemicals targeting the hormonal systems. It also provides an up-to-date review of international initiatives (including high-throughput screening, use of model organisms and in silico applications) aiming to screen, detect and functionally test these chemicals. The authors are highly experienced academics and acknowledged experts with both multidisciplinary and international expertise. The book provides an up-to-date, in-depth review of the current field of food safety research describing many of the "hot topics" currently debated. Recent media attention concerning, for example, dioxins in meat and bisphenol A in baby bottles has created a growing interest in food safety-related issues from both consumers and authorities. In addition, European legislation REACH, which requires industry to extensively test chemicals, has led to new initiatives within this area. This book presents a comprehensive overview of the recent international initiatives formed to meet the challenges of environmental pollutants in our food.