Summary:

In early 2006 a serious food scandal erupted in Norway, with several children becoming infected with Escherichia coli O103. Confidence in the responsible food producer was undermined and the authorities came under fire. Fundamental questions concerning independence, priorities and objectives in food control were discussed – questions that have been central in Europe, especially since BSE, and have been discussed earlier in the Norwegian context. We analyse recent changes brought by the Norwegian food control agency, particularly in relation to the establishment of a new food law and a Food Safety Authority in 2004. Research on regulation and control and historical institutionalist perspectives are central as we build on an earlier study of the institutionalization of the food control authority in Norway. We argue that changes in values and foundations of the control provide insight on changes in the orientation of the control. Our historical analysis reveals that there has been a shift in the orientation of the Norwegian food control agency. Originally, food control was upheld by the public health authorities, central objectives being the protection of health and prevention of fraud. With time, agriculture has gained considerable influence and has resulted in an expansion of the central objectives of quality regulation and business interests. The new Agency and food law strengthens this development and introduces further objectives that might serve agriculture and business interests. We conclude that the changes in Norwegian food control are the result of a gradual development and struggle between different interests in the field. Our analysis further shows that historical and institutional perspectives are important in studies of particular fields of regulation.