Frequency of use of ceramic tableware and crystal glassware
Contact
Catherine Simoneau
Main Organisation
Department/Sector/Unit
JRC.F5
Other Organisations
before was JRC.I.2
Description
The European Commission was considering revising limits for ceramic articles. The JRC conducted research on leaching of metals from tableware, bakeware and crystalware.To link the data with exposure and mitigate risk management measures,, a survey was conducted to understand what is perceived as occasional use for consumers across the EU. During and open day, citizen were asked for help and opinion as user of ceramic and glass articles (via EU survey, paper, ipad, iphone, QR).
Participation Spectrum
When and Where
Start Year
2016
Policy Context
Policy Stage
Context of activity
Science or Policy Field
Specific Topic
Safety of food contact materials (ceramics articles - bakeware, tableware, drinkware).
Participants
Participants
599
Who was involved
Communities or representatives involved
citizens (families).
How were the Participants selected?
Through what means citizens knew about the call for participation?
JRC Open Day 2016
Methodologies
Events
1
Methodologies used
Tools Used
Spaces Used
Impact
Output
Main Outcomes and Lasting Achievement
The Commission initiated a roadmap to improve food safety while preserving trade and traditional objects.
Report: http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC108092/final_report_ceramics_final.pdf
Report: http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC108092/final_report_ceramics_final.pdf
How were the outcome taken up within the process they were carried out?
Indirectly YES - it allowed the commission to come up with novel labelling type of options instead of strict limits of release as had been the traditional approach.
Feedback provided
Other Feedback
We could not - anonymous surveys. But we gave website to follow up our work.
Were the methodologies used elsewhere?
not yet - but this was the second time I had done citizen science (first time in 2006 for acceptance of mathematical modelling to predict migraiton (instead of laboraotry experiments) and demonstrate compliance for food contact materials).
Assessment
Main Challenges
Reason for such challenges and solutions
Compromise of the methodology used (a more empirical one) and target a larger number where possible to attain a gage. Was limited geographically (Italy) so had to state uncertainty - but the results were quite similar to a survey along the same lines done in France.
Lessons Learn
Overall, find creative ways to inlcude citizen science or citizen engagement but with a clear link to the benefit of policy making , and the representatives of the exercise in the policy making.
Recommendation
Start from the intended policy impact sought and work backwards.