ABSTRACT
In the previous chapter, we explored our understanding of citizenship and food rights. Here we seek to progress that analysis by analysing the ways in which consumer interests are organised and represented. In doing so, we go beyond the study of consumer groups to embrace the role of government as well. This is because government has traditionally played an important role as the representative of consumer interests, and, of course, in defining food rights. As we argued in Chapter 2, food policy is increasingly formulated at the European level. This has important implications for consumer groups. Perhaps the most important of these is that, within a European context, food regulation is designed to support the single market and consumer protection is part of ensuring that the market operates smoothly (see also Jukes 1992). Our review of the organisation of consumer groups and the role of government is designed to cast light on the reasons why food consumer groups have long been a marginal presence in British food policy making.
