Shaping the Future of Food Law Education at MSU

 

Shaping the Future of Food Law Education at MSU

  When you think about the foods that make it to your table—from fresh produce to international imports—it’s easy to forget the complicated network of rules and regulations that make sure those products are safe, properly labeled, and fairly traded. Behind every label, inspection, and compliance form is a system of food laws that touches nearly every aspect of our lives. Understanding those laws isn’t just for lawyers; it’s essential for professionals across the food industry, policymakers, and even international organizations.

That’s where the Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR) at Michigan State University comes in. For more than two decades, IFLR has been helping people around the world understand and navigate the complexities of food regulation. What makes IFLR stand out is its singular focus: we don’t do research—we focus 100% on education. That means every course, every program, and every innovation is designed with one goal in mind: providing the best possible learning experience in food law.

A Global Classroom
One of the hallmarks of IFLR is its international reach. Our students come from across the globe, creating a truly diverse and dynamic learning community. In any given class, you might find a government regulator from Africa, a food safety officer from Asia, and an attorney working on trade issues in Europe—all learning alongside one another. This global mix of perspectives doesn’t just enrich the classroom; it also reflects the reality of food regulation, which increasingly crosses borders and requires international cooperation.

Expert Faculty, Real-World Experience
Our courses are led by faculty who are not only experts in food law but also have hands-on experience in industry, government, and international organizations. They bring real-world cases, challenges, and solutions directly into the classroom, making the learning both practical and engaging.

Accessible and Flexible Learning
Because all of our courses are offered online, students can fit their studies around busy professional and personal lives. Whether you’re a food industry executive looking to understand trade regulations, a policymaker navigating labeling requirements, or a student preparing for a career in food law, IFLR’s flexible programs are built to meet you where you are.

Looking Ahead
The world of food law is constantly evolving, from new technologies like cell-based meats to shifting international trade agreements. IFLR is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments, expanding our course offerings, and leveraging the latest in online learning technology to keep education accessible, engaging, and relevant.

At Michigan State University, we believe that education has the power to transform industries and improve lives. Through IFLR, we’re proud to empower professionals and students across the globe to navigate food laws with confidence, shaping safer, fairer, and more transparent food systems for everyone.

Enroll now, classes begin a week from today!

Enroll now for January 2025 The following online graduate courses are offered this spring semester. Classes run January 13 through May 2, 2025. International Food Laws and Regulations Food Laws and Regulations in the United States Food Laws and Regulations in Canada International Food Standards, Codex Alimentarius Beer, Wine, and Spirits Laws & Regulations FSMA - The Law of the Preventive Controls for Human and Animal Food Rule Click here for full enrollment information. Join Our Mailing List

Food Labeling Updates

Food Labeling Updates from the Organizers of the Food & Dietary Supplement Labeling Workshop

The new edition of Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy, and Practice has been published

The third edition of Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy, and Practice has been published. The book presents an appetizing menu of all key aspects of United States food regulation.  Incomparably comprehensive yet remaining accessible to all readers, the text connects legal theory to practical application. The third edition is fully updated to reflect significant changes in US food law. 

For more information, visit: www.foodregulation.us 

Food Regulation, 2nd edition, is now available!

The second edition of Food Regulation is now available.  It contains over 25 percent new material, particularly a rewritten import law chapter and revisions related to food safety regulation, health claims, and food defense. The text provides an in-depth discussion of the federal statutes, regulations, and agencies involved in food regulation. After an introduction to the history of food regulation, it covers current food regulations, inspection and enforcement, international law, and more. 

With explanation of the policies and food science behind the law, the text is designed for both food scientists and lawyers. Yet the book remains accessible to students and professionals alike. This is an excellent text for food science and food law and a practical reference for food industry professionals, consultants, and others. 

I hope you find it appetizing. If you would like more information, the Table of Contents is available here.  A copy of Chapter One is available here.  

To order from the publisher, click here. 

To order from Amazon, click here. 

To order the iBook, click here. 

>> Hurry, registration is limited!

Food Law Current Issues Seminar

Michigan State University        East Lansing, Michigan

July 12-14, 2016

The MSU Food Law Current Issues Seminar provides practical education on current food legal and regulatory issues. The seminar covers cutting edge issues in international, transnational, and national food law and policy including FDA and E.U. food ingredient and safety regulations, U.S. advertising and labelling law, and globalized supply chain liabilities and management strategies. Speakers from the legal, food industry, and academic professions will present practical food law information and case studies.

This seminar is for a global audience in food regulatory work, including industry regulatory affairs, quality assurance, government officials, the legal community, advertising and marketing professionals, academics, and policy makers.

The course is offered in a collegial, intimate learning environment. Time will be allowed for questions and answers as well as informal discussions over lunch and coffee. In addition to the educational sessions, social activities are planned on a voluntary basis.

The cost for the course is $1345 until May 15th; after May 15th registration will be $1545.

For more information, click here

or

Register Online

The Faculty

P. Vincent Hegarty PhD, Founding Director/Professor Emeritus, MSU, Institute for Food Laws and Regulation

Elizabeth H. Dickinson, JD, Chief Counsel to the FDA [invited]

Leslie Bourquin, PhD, Professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University

Stuart Pape, JD, Shareholder, Polsinelli

Charles Breen, Senior Consultant, EAS Consulting Group

Ken Odza, JD, Corporate Counsel, Food Safety, Kellogg Company

Robert Prevendar, MPH, Managing Director, Global Supply Chain Food Safety, NSF International

Daniel Dwyer, JD, Partner, Kleinfeld, Kaplan and Becker, LLP

Tim Slawinski, Emerging Issues Specialist, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Howard Sklamberg JD, Deputy Commissioner for Global Regulatory Operations and Policy, FDA [invited]

Francesco Planchenstainer, JD, PhD, Senior Regulatory & Food Law Specialist at Mead Johnson Nutrition

Robert Hollingworth, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Entomology, Michigan State University

Bill Marler, JD, Managing Partner, Marler Clark

Hannah Chanoine, JD, Counsel, O’Melveny & Myers; Lecturer-in-Law, Columbia University School of Law

Jennifer McEntire, PhD, VP, Science Operations, Grocery Manufacturers Association

John Spink, PhD, Assistant Professor and Director of the Food Fraud Initiative, Michigan State University

Shawn Stevens, JD, Food Industry Counsel LLC

Adam Ekonomon, JD, Director and Assistant General Counsel, Marketing and Regulatory, The J. M. Smucker Company

Mary Engle, JD, Associate Director for Advertising Practices at Federal Trade Commission

Kimberly Wingfeld, Director, Science Policy, Labeling and Standards, Grocery Manufacturers Association

Latasha Robinson, Branch Chief of Labeling and Dietary Supplement Compliance, FDA [invited]

Steve Steinborn, JD, Hogan Lovells, U.S., LLP

 Learn more about IFLR at: www.IFLR.msu.edu