Hypothetical bias is a persistent problem in stated preference studies. We propose and test a method for reducing hypothetical bias based on the cognitive dissonance literature in social psychology. A central element of this literature is that people prefer not to take inconsistent stands and...

This study employs a novel nested variable elasticity of substitution (VES) utility model to investigate the impacts of food safety standards on international trade and social welfare. The nested VES utility model is applied to investigate the impact of the European Union (EU) Hazard Analysis...

We provide an ex post econometric examination of the harmonisation and tightening of the EU maximum residue limit (MRL) on aflatoxins in 2002, and its impact on African exports of groundnut products. We find no evidence of the EU MRL having a significant negative trade impact on these groundnut...