The Internet and the Human Right to Food: The European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed

Salmon, Naomi, 'The Internet and the Human Right to Food: The European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed', Information and Communications Technology Law, (2005) 14 (1), pp. 43-57 Special Issue: GATED COMMUNITIES RAE2008

This article examines the way in which the development of information technology has enhanced the protection of the human right to adequate food?in a European context. The European Union's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed enhances the level of protection offered to consumers in the context of an area of resource-intensive delivery of economic and social rights. The discussion explores the convergence of rights development?the European and global move towards a 'precautionary' entitlement to safe food?and the exploitation of technology as an effective means of disseminating crucial information as a way of guaranteeing such a right. In contrast to the sinister tone of much of the discourse relating to information technology and human rights protection, the conclusions of this study sound a more optimistic note for the objectives of the latter.

Peer reviewed