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Ethics and the Consumer Essay

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Ethics and the Consumer

Introduction

The objective of this paper is to identify and analyse the policies specified by government and organisations for the protection of consumer interests and the role of ethics in consumer choice. It also analyses the role of ethics in consumer culture and give examples of how the service sector reacts to it.

The aim of this paper is to understand the movement for ethical consumption and reflect on its scope on the constitution of a new consumer culture, and its role in the “public space”.

It is important to consider, as a starting point to study the importance of ethics in business and the involvement of government in consumer policy, to make a short approach to moral and social responsibility …show more content…

OFT has a wide range of statutory powers and duties which have been broadened by recent legislation under the Competition Act 1998 and the Enterprise Act 2002. (OFT 2010)

The Trading Standards Institute enforces consumer related legislation as determined by central government. The variety of this legislation is vast and is always evolving. In view of this changing environment, the Trading Standards Institute is dedicated to engaging with central government and other proposals, displayed in their responses to the various consultations that concern consumer protection issues and/or the Trading Standards profession. (TSI 2010)

The Food Standards Agency deals with the safety of the food regime, established by Parliament to protect the public’s health and consumer interests in respect of food. It has a specific remit to provide consumer education. It is a Government agency, responsible to Parliament through Health ministers and to the devolved administrations. The Food Standards Agency has national offices in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. (Food Standards Agency 2010)

Consumer Direct is funded by the Office of Fair Trading and delivered in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services offering information and advice on consumer issue. Providing an honest, impartial assessment of the situation and where possible, recommended a

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