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Ethical modelling of the food supply chain

L. Manning (Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, UK)
R.N. Baines (Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, UK)
S.A. Chadd (Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, UK)

British Food Journal

ISSN: 0007-070X

Article publication date: 1 May 2006

7064

Abstract

Purpose

Public concerns with issues including animal welfare and environmental management and stewardship have required organisations within the food supply chain to formally demonstrate their commitment to ethical issues. This has led to the development of corporate social responsibility strategies and the use of ethical risk assessment models. The purpose of the study is to review both qualitative and quantitative methods of assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins with a discussion on ethical issues. This is followed by an evaluation of current mechanisms for determining both scientific‐ and value‐based approaches to ethical food policy.

Findings

Legislation defines governmental policy but it does not define what is “good” or “right” and this is the role of ethics. In order to have ethic reasoning embedded in food policy either at governmental or at organisational level, policy makers must be able to understand and evaluate moral arguments, be fair‐minded and make well‐reasoned decisions. Consumers need to trust that both policy makers and those manufacturing and supplying food make decisions and provide information which is accessible, accurate and affords reasoned choice when purchasing food products.

Originality/value

This paper provides a review of ethical methodology and mechanisms for assisting in ethical decision making and will be of interest to academics and to industry.

Keywords

Citation

Manning, L., Baines, R.N. and Chadd, S.A. (2006), "Ethical modelling of the food supply chain", British Food Journal, Vol. 108 No. 5, pp. 358-370. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700610661330

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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