Social and Ethical Aspects [of Organic Food Provisioning]

This paper indicates the character of social and ethical concerns of consumers with respect to the production, distribution and marketing of organic food, discusses the extent to which these concerns can be addressed within the framework of risk analysis with reference to 'Critical Control Points'(CCPs), and presents examples of control measures with regard to particular risks. Four types of marketing risk, as seen from the standpoint of suppliers, are distinguished. It is shown that risks arising from the fact that some suppliers fail to live up to existing standards can be addressed within a CCP framework, providing particular conditions (regarding, for example, traceability) are met. Other kinds of risk, however, call for the introduction of quite different measures that cannot be successfully addressed by introducing controls at specific critical points of production and distribution

Let me be quiet' : HIV disclosure, stigma and denial in Imizamo Yethu, Cape Town

Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 81-86)

Feministisk institutionalisme og kommunal strukturreform

Feminist institutionalism and local government reform275 Danish municipalities were amalgamated into 98 in January 2007 and the percentages of female city managers were reduced drastically. I demonstrate how a combination of gender studies and new institutionalism contribute to an understanding of the gendered development in the municipalities. This is inspired by FIIN, The Feminism and Institutionalism International Network which was formed in order to contribute to studies of gender, politics, power and change combining elements from feminism and new institutionalism. Furthermore, I discuss the weak points in the theoretical contributions and suggest some possibilities of improvements ina relation to studies of public organisations undergoing change

'Let Me Be Quiet': The Dilemma of HIV Disclosure

This paper argues for a differentiated approach to understanding disclosure of HIV status in a South African township. It suggests that there are two models of disclosure: partial and full. There are benefits for PLHA in both forms of disclosure resulting in improved health and well-being. Disclosure can also play a role in prevention as it can facilitate initiation of safe sex practices. However, the benefits are limited in the partial disclosure as there are challenges related to health-seeking behaviour, stress release and initiation of safe-sex practices. The paper describes partial disclosure as a dilemma between, on one hand, feeling free from secrecy, improved health and well-being and being able to solicit support, and on the other, fear of stigma and discrimination. It argues that a crucial aspect in the choice between partial and full disclosure is how PLHA deal with stigma and self-stigmatisation, related to a conceptualisation of HIV as a disease the bearers bring unto themselves through 'immoral' behaviour. It suggests that those who chose partial disclosure dealt with stigma through managing their disclosure by seeking out people who were unlikely to stigmatise and likely to be supportive. They dealt with self-stigma through 'insisting on innocence', repositioning themselves within the 'guilty'/'innocent' binary as 'innocent' without challenging the discourse of illness as personal responsibility. For the majority of those who disclosed fully, disclosure was experienced as a dilemma in the same way as for those who disclosed partially. In these cases, the dilemma was resolved by confronting stigma and refuting the stigmatising discourses that link HIV with personal responsibility and morality. Some informants who disclosed fully shortly after the diagnosis did not experience self-stigma and did not fear external stigma because they did not associate HIV with personal responsibility. Finally, this paper concludes that improved disclosure rates as well as a change from partial to a more inclusive or full disclosure is essential to realise the full benefits of disclosure, a change that is linked to challenging the conceptualisation of HIV as a condition linked to personal responsibility and 'immorality'

European consumers' conceptions of organic food: A review of available research

This report is a publication from the project entitled 'Recommendations for Improved Procedures for Securing Consumer Oriented Food Safety and Quality of Certified Organic Foods from a Consumer Perspective' (acronym: 'Organic HACCP'), supported by the European Commission, Fifth Framework Programme, Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources, and co-ordinated by Dr. Kirsten Brandt. The report includes a summary and 9 chapters, which respectively regard a statement of objectives and methods (Chapter 1), critical considerations regarding current approaches to consumer studies (Chapter 2), an overview of factors related to the production, distribution and regulation of organic foods, which differentially affect patterns of consumption in European countries (Chapter 3), 4 case studies regarding the consumption of organic foods and the contextual features influencing consumption patterns in Denmark (Chapter 4), United kingdom (Chapter 5), Italy (Chapter 6) and Hungary (Chapter 7). These case studies are followed by a summary review of trends in Europe with regard to consumer characteristics, buying behaviour and consumer concerns (Chapter 8), as well as a series of recommendations with regard to future research regarding the consumption of organic foods within the European region (Chapter 9)

European consumers' conceptions of the safety and quality of organic food

This paper summarizes some of the research on consumers in different European countries in order to identify consumer expectations, criteria and concerns with respect to the quality and safety og organic foods. Reasons why consumer conceptions differ between countries are considered in relation to differences regarding the institutional settings of consumption. Limitations of the existing research are pointed out and focal points for future research are identified

Authenticity and Fraud Information to Consumers regarding Control of Quality and Safety in Organic Production Chains

This leaflet provides a practical overview for consumers of what is done to secure the authenticity and integrity of 7 types of organically produced foods, where improvements are possible and what the consumers can do to support efforts that meet their demands. Other leaflets for consumers cover taste, freshness and nutrients or safety and contamination, and separate leaflets aim at retailers or at production of specific commodities

Authenticity and Fraud Information to Retailers regarding Control of Quality and Safety in Organic Production Chains

This leaflet provides a practical overview for retailers of what is done to secure the authenticity and integrity of organically produced foods, where improvements are possible and what the retailers can do to support efforts that meet their customers’ demands. Other leaflets for retailers cover taste, freshness and nutrients or safety and contamination, and separate leaflets aim at consumers or at production of specific commodities