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 

2015 Summer Academy in Global Food Law & Policy

The 2015 Summer Academy in Global Food Law & Policy will take place from Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July 2015 in Bilbao, Spain. This is a preview of the program. 

Key Note address: “Appetite for Change: Tackling Undernourishment, Micronutrient Deficiency and Obesity”

Hilal Elver- UN Special Rapporteur for the Right to Food

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and Food Trade

Alberto Alemanno- Jean Monnet Professor of EU Law, HEC Paris and Global Clinical Professor, NYU School of Law

The Obesity Challenge: What Role for the Law in the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases?

Amandine Garde- Professor of Law at the University of Liverpool

The Perils of Comparative Food Law: Convergence, Divergence, and Complexity in US and EU Food Law

Neal Fortin- Director of Institute for Food Laws and Regulations, Michigan State University College of Law

Food Fraud: Guilty or Innocent?

Gilles Boin- Partner at Product Law Firm

Bridging the Gap between Behavioural and Experimental Policymaking and Obesity: Unleashing the Power of Peers for Healthy Nutrition

Pelle Guldborg Hansen- Founder of iNudgeyou and Professor Director of ISSP at Roskilde University

The Protection of Food-Related Geographical Indications in the Global Village: The TRIPS regime and the Battle between the Old World and the New World

Enrico Bonadio- Senior Lecturer in Law, City University London

Food   safety   expert   panel:   A   comparison   between   the   United   States,   the  European Union, Japan, and China

European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) presentation

And many more sessions and speakers to be announced.

For a more detailed preview of the program click here

Summer Enrollment Now Open

Explore online graduate degrees in Global Food Law from the nation's premier food university, Michigan State University. Apply now for the summer or fall semester at globalfood.law.msu.edu Get the tools you need to navigate a rapidly changing industry. Flexible online program for lawyers and food industry professionals. Applied courses in global food law and regulation taught by expert MSU faculty and practitioners.  Summer semester: Application deadline is April 1, 2015. Classes begin May 18. Fall semester: Application deadline is June 1, 2015. Classes begin August 17. Summer 2015 course offerings: Agriculture Special Topics: Pesticides, Fertilizer and Conservation Survey of Intellectual Property in Agriculture Food Regulations in Asia Full curriculum and course descriptions available at globalfood.law.msu.edu Tuition is $950 per credit hour. M.J. students must complete a minimum of 26 credits to graduate. LL.M. students with a J.D. must complete 24 credits to graduate. Ready to apply? Apply online at globalfood.law.msu.edu/admission. Questions? Please contact Andrea Besley, Global Food Law Program Coordinator, at foodlaw@law.msu.edu or 517-432-6963. Through our M.J. program, food industry professionals who do not have a law degree gain an understanding of common legal and regulatory issues. Through our LL.M. program, associate attorneys who are new to food law can quickly gain the background to research food law issues and at a flexible pace with convenient hours. Seasoned attorneys can both refresh their knowledge on substantive law topics and receive updates on developments in global food law.  MSU College of Law Global Food Law Programs 648 North Shaw Lane, Room 364 East Lansing, MI USA 48824 foodlaw@law.msu.edu

EU Food Law Handbook

The EU Food Law Handbook edited by Bernd van der Meulen was published in September 2014. Bernd van der Meulen is respected scholar in EU food law, and he includes an outstanding ensemble of knowledgeable experts, like Martin Holle (Nutrition Policy in the European Union), Cecilia Kuhn and Francesco Montanari (Importing food into the EU), and others.

From the introduction: "This ‘EU Food Law Handbook’ presents the most significant elements of these legal developments with contributions from a highly qualified team of academics and practitioners. Their analysis is based on a shared vision of the structure and content of EU food law. The book takes the perspective of food law embedded within general EU law. It highlights the consequences of this combination and provides insights into both substantive and procedural food law.

"Taking the General Food Law as a focal point, this handbook analyses and explains the institutional, substantive and procedural elements of EU food law. Principles are discussed as well as specific rules addressing food as a product, the processes related to food and communication about food to consumers through labelling. These rules define requirements on subjects like market authorisation for food additives, novel foods and genetically modified foods, food hygiene, tracking & tracing, withdrawal & recall. The powers of public authorities to enforce food law and to deal with incidents are outlined. Attention is given to the international context (WTO, Codex Alimentarius) as well as to private standards.

"In addition to the systematic analysis, the book includes selected topics such as nutrition and health policy, special foods, food import requirements, food contact materials, intellectual property and animal feed.

“The ‘EU Food Law Handbook’ is produced in co-operation with the European Institute for Food Law. It is relevant for practitioners and academics both with and without a background in law. It is ideal for education purposes.”

The EU Food Law Handbook can be purchased here.

Ukraine adopts new food legislation to align with the EU

On September 15, 2014, Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko signed Law No. 1602 VII on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine related to Food Products.   The law establishes a new wording for the Law of Ukraine on the Safety and Quality of Food. Ukraine Law No. 1602 VII appears intended to align Ukraine’s food legislation with the food law of the EU.

On 16 September 16, 2014, the Parliaments of the EU and Ukraine ratified the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement (EUAA). The new Ukraine food law appears relevant in the light of the EUAA, Article 474, which provides that the Ukraine will carry-out a gradual approximation of its legislation to EU law.
 
Article 1 of the Law on Food Safety contains provisions on the safety of food, traceability; risk analysis (defined as a process consisting of three interconnected components: risk assessment, risk management and risk communication), the system of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), food supplements,  and novel foods.

New Publication by the WTO: The History and Future of the World Trade Organization

The History and Future of the World Trade Organization is a comprehensive account of the economic, political and legal issues surrounding the creation of the WTO and its evolution. Fully illustrated with color and black-and-white photos dating back to the early days of trade negotiations, the publication reviews the WTO's achievements as well as the challenges faced by the organization, and identifies the key questions that WTO members need to address in the future.

GMO Infographic from axismundionline

References:

AAAS (October 2012) Statement by the AAAS Board of Directors On Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods, Available online at: http://www.aaas.org/sites/default/files/AAAS_GM_statement.pdf (accessed 5th April 2014)

AMA (2001) Bioengineered (Genetically Engineered) Crops and Foods, Available online at:http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/PolicyFinder/policyfiles/HnE/H-480.958.HTM (accessed 5thApril 2014)

WHO (2012) 20 questions on genetically modified foods. Available online at:http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/ (accessed 5th April 2014)

NAS (2004) Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods: Approaches to Assessing Unintended Health Effects. Available online at: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309092094 (accessed 5th April 2014)

RSM (2008) Genetically modified plants and human health, Available online at:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2408621/ (accessed 5th April 2014)

EC (2010) A decade of EU-funded GMO research. Available online at:http://ec.europa.eu/research/biosociety/pdf/a_decade_of_eu-funded_gmo_research.pdf (accessed 5th April 2014)

ACSH (2000) BIOTECHNOLOGY AND FOOD. Available online at:http://acsh.org/2000/09/biotechnology-and-food-second-edition/ (accessed 5th April 2014)

ASPB (Date Unknown) Statement on Plant Genetic Engineering. Available online at:http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/my.aspb.org/resource/group/6d461cb9-5b79-4571-a164-924fa40395a5/statements/genetic_engineering.pdf (accessed 5th April 2014)

ASCB (Date Unknown) ASCB Statement in Support of Research on Genetically Modified Organisms. Available online at: http://www.ascb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=315&Itemid=31 (accessed 5th April 2014)

ASM (2000) Statement of the American Society for Microbiology on Genetically Modified Organisms Available online at: http://www.asm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3656&Itemid=341 (accessed 5th April 2014)

CSSA (2001) CSSA PERSPECTIVE ON BIOTECHNOLOGY. Available online at:https://www.crops.org/files/science-policy/cssa-biotech-perspective.pdf (accessed 10th April 2014)

WSF (2005) Genetically Modified Crops and Plant Breeding. Available online at:http://www.worldseed.org/cms/medias/file/PositionPapers/OnSustainableAgriculture/Genetically_Modified_Crops_and_Plant_Breeding_20050601_(En).pdf(accessed 10th April 2014)

CAST (2005) Crop Biotechnology and the Future of Food: A Scientific Assessment. Available online at:https://www.cast-science.org/download.cfm?PublicationID=2922&File=1030a75513ab37030c8f7fb4d6a443729335TR (accessed 10th April 2014)

SIVB (2011) POSITION STATEMENT ON CROP GENETIC ENGINEERING. Available online at:http://www.sivb.org/publicPolicy_CropEngineering.asp (accessed 10th April 2014)

IAS () Position statement on biotechnology. Available online at:http://www.isaaa.org/kc/Publications/htm/articles/Position/isas.htm (accessed 10th April 2014)

FASS (date unknown) FASS Facts: On Biotech Crops – Impact on Meat, Milk and Eggs. Available online at: http://www.fass.org/geneticcrops.pdf (accessed 10th April 2014)

14 Italian Science Organisations (2004) Sicurezza alimentare e OGM: Consensus Document. Available online at: http://www.siga.unina.it/circolari/Consensus_ITA.pdf (accessed 10th April 2014)

SOT (2003) The Safety of Genetically Modified Foods Produced through Biotechnology. Available online at: http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/content/71/1/2.full (accessed 10th April 2014)

TWAS (2000) Transgenic Plants and World Agriculture. Available online at:http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9889 (accessed 10th April 2014)

FAS (2002) Les plantes génétiquement modifies. Available online at: http://www.academie-sciences.fr/activite/rapport/rst13_recspe.pdf (accessed 10th April 2014)

UDDADW (2006) InterAcademy Panel Initiative on Genetically Modified Organisms. Available online at:http://www.akademienunion.de/_files/memorandum_gentechnik/GMGeneFood.pdf (accessed 10th April 2014)

ISCU (2003) New Genetics, Food and Agriculture: Scientific Discoveries – Societal Dilemas. Available online at: http://www.icsu.org/publications/reports-and-reviews/new-genetics-food-and-agriculture-scientific-discoveries-societal-dilemas-2003 (accessed April 10th 2014)

Horse meat again

New case of horse meat has been discovered in a Dutch slaughterhouse.

TRENTO LAWTECH COMPARATIVE FOOD LAW SEMINAR 2014

THE INTERNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE DIMENSION OF FOOD LAW

Location: University of Trento, Faculty of Law, Professor Room - Trento, via Rosmini

Date: Friday, February 21th, 2014

Time: 9.30-12.30

PROGRAM

Introduction
Umberto Izzo, Matteo Ferrari (University of Trento)

Speakers

Neal Fortin (Professor and Director, Institute for Food Laws & Regulations, Michigan State University)
The Perils of Comparative Food Law:  The United States and the European Union

Martin Holle (Professor for Food Law and Administrative Law at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences)
The Consumer Paradigm in Food Law: Time for a Change?

Francesco Planchenstainer (Ph d, Cattolica University of Piacenza, Lawtech Trento)
Legal Responses to Food Safety Emergencies and Crises: A Comparative Assessment of U.S. and E.U. Law  

For more information, visit here. 

10th International Workshop for Young Scholars (WISH) - ‘New Directions in EU and Global Risk Regulation'

The European Law Journal, HEC Paris and the Center for Research on Transnational Law (CTL), Peking University School of Transnational Law (PKUSTL), Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, are welcoming proposals for presentation at the 10th International Workshop for Young Scholars (WISH)/10ème Rencontre Internationale des Jeunes Chercheurs (RIJC). 

The topic is 'New Directions in EU and Global Risk Regulation: Regulatory Autonomy, Evidence-based Policymaking and International Regulatory Co-operation'. 

The 10th WISH will be held in Paris in December 2014 (date to be determined).

 

The 10th WISH builds on the success of the previous WISH held annually since 2002. It offers outstanding young scholars an opportunity to present their best research work in a professional academic setting to an audience of other young scholars and more senior academics. Selected revised versions of the papers may be published in a special issue of the European Law Journal or in a bilingual edited book (Bruylant, Brussels) destined for an international readership.

 

For more information, please click here. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Cliff Wirajendi at wirajendi@hec.fr

WHO urges stricter rules on food marketing to children

The food industry is ‘exploiting children’ in its marketing of unhealthy food, according to a new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which calls for stricter marketing controls, particularly in light of new technologies like smart phone apps and social media. See: http://www.foodnavigator.com/Legislation/WHO-urges-stricter-rules-on-food-marketing-to-children

The full report is available here. 

On the uses and misuses of the precautionary principle: Towards a EU ban on neonicotinoid insecticides

Alberto Alemanno has posted a blog article on risk regulation and EU Law titled, On the uses and misuses of the precautionary principle: Towards a EU ban on neonicotinoid insecticides. The short article is well worth reading for its insights in to both risk regulation and EU law making.

Last Chance to Register - Summer Academy in Global Food Law and Policy

The Summer Academy in Global Food Law and Policy is an established one-week summer program that brings together practitioners, policymakers, industry representatives, and leading academics working in the field of food law and policy. It offers intensive training on the most innovative developments in global food regulation and provides a unique opportunity for professional development and networking in an informal and interdisciplinary setting. By talking, studying, and interacting with food experts from all over the world, participants are able to gain new perspectives into both their own sectors and international regulatory issues. This is achieved by combining traditional classroom instruction with experiential learning opportunities offered by dedicated and distinguished international experts.

The 5th edition of the Academy will take place from Monday, 22 July, to Friday, 26 July, 2013 in Granada, Spain. The choice of this vibrant city will enable participants to benefit from the distinctive beauty of the town’s Unesco World Heritage environment and its privileged geographical location adjacent to the Sierra Nevada. For more information, please visit here.

The Summer Academy may be taken as a 2 or 3 credit, graduate-level course from Michigan State University.  Contact IFLR@msu.edu if you are interested in enrolling for graduate credit. If you wish only to attend as a seminar, enroll here.

Foundations of EU Food Law and Policy

The introductory chapter to Alberto Alemanno’s forthcoming book, “Foundations of EU Food Law and Policy,” is available here on SSRN. The book gathers the viewpoints of academics, policymakers, industry representatives, and food practitioners on the first ten years of the European Food Safety Authority.

“Despite the celebratory mood, the book provides forward-looking views on the future scientific and regulatory challenges facing the Authority. Overall, the Authority emerges as belonging to a balanced, yet improvable, food legal system that deserves permanent scrutiny, guidance and judgment. That is the expectation of 500 million EU citizens, the daily clients of this very system.” Foundations of EU Food Law and Policy - Ten Years of European Food Safety Authority by Alberto Alemanno

Australian infographic on the horsemeat scandal

Infographic provided by Australian Food Safety News