La prise en compte de l'alimentation par les organisations de consommateurs

After stressing the cultural and political scope of food consumption, the author examines the present preoccupations of consumers as they are expressed through consumer organizations. Security appears as a major concern ; beside toxicological problems, the interest in nutrition increases. In quality matters, attention is focused on the factors which lead to a deterioration especially in aroma and on the role of regulations. A better knowledge of price fixing is also wanted as well as of the « cost of quality » which should not necessarily lead to a price increase. A better information of consumers which enables them to practice their discernment requires a continued effort to oppose secrecy and misinformation. The author examines the possible convergency between consumer defence and that of workers and of environment, and then stresses a new claim put forth by consumers : to become active partners in the definition of a food policy.