This thesis describes how emerging food industries can effectively and actively engage in the development of food safety regulations and standards at national and international levels. This research problem is illuminated through an understanding of the roles of actors, their networks and knowledge sources as a 'system' for developing, negotiating and defending food safety regulations and standards, and how these change over time. Whether distinct stages can be identified, and if so, what the characteristics of the 'system' at these stages are, is also explored.