The concept of sustainability as seen from the consumer standpoint

Under the title,Perspectives for Germany: Our Strategy for Sustainable Development", the German government has defined its sustainability strategy. The report makes clear that sustainability is a concept embracing all spheres of policy and life. Agricultural and consumer policies are therefore part of the sustainability strategy. Triggered by the BSE crisis, both areas of policy, which overlap in many ways, have acquired new importance in public and political discussions. In addition to food safety, the concept of quality is on trial. The term "quality" is increasingly used not only in the sense of product quality, but also encompasses production processes, careful resource management as well as protection of the environment and of animals. This presents the food industry with new challenges.