| Abstract: | Recent events, from mad cow disease to bird flu, suggest that modern societies are exposed to novel food-associated risks. This impression of novelty is illusory. History has been marked by several alimentary crises, among which critical situations associated with meat intake during times of epizooties. The first of such crises that was well documented, thanks to physicians’ reports, was the cattle plague that spread over Europe in the years 1711-1714. In France and Italy, it thus becomes possible to analyze reactions to animal disease, in particular among consumers and public authorities. In all cases, a hyper-responsiveness is noted to potential dangers associated with meat, in line with the intellectual context of the time: limited scientific knowledge, and also popular representations of nutrition. While concerns are shared, prevention policies vary in different places. Individual behaviors as well as public policies are rational, aiming to establish a favorable risk to benefit ratio, given that a “no risk” situation cannot be obtained. |
