Lack of clarity: changing roles and responsibilities in the German food system

In spite of a food system which in many ways appear to be functioning very well, lower levels of consumer trust in food are found in Germany than in similar countries. The paper argues that this reflects the German food system in transition. An unclear division of responsibilities between state institutions from local to European level as well as between the state and the food industry made it possible for all actors to blame each other for food safety problems. German food crisis related to BSE opened a window of opportunity for change, but due to lack of cooperation and consensus consistent and profound changes are still somewhat missing. There is a need not only for new central institutions but as well for policies of transparency.