Capabilities / Food Safety & Regulation

Food Safety & Regulation

Helping clients develop strong compliance programs and providing vigorous advocacy in settling disputes.

Strong, adequately resourced compliance programs are the backbone of risk management in the food systems industry, and Husch Blackwell provides clients with the knowledge and practical advice to develop programs capable of meeting the complex objectives required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other state and federal regulatory agencies.

Our food regulatory compliance law team helps clients get out in front of local, state, federal and international laws and regulations that govern all facets of food production, product safety, packaging and distribution. Our team helps clients build the framework for preventative oversight, as well as monitoring certifications required by new and existing product lines, including organic certification and dietary supplements. We also routinely provide legal advice in crisis situations and disputes, including those related to labeling, recalls, and foodborne illnesses and allergens.

Husch Blackwell conducts internal audits of processes and procedures that identify areas of risk and opportunity. Our regulatory compliance law attorneys also develop tailored compliance strategies aimed at helping businesses of all sizes avoid and manage USDA and FDA compliance investigations and enforcement proceedings. When federal or state agency actions do arise, our law firm draws from a nationally recognized team of litigators with deep experience in resolving commercial disputes, arbitrations, and government prosecutions.

Representative Experience

Advised meat-processing facility on FSMA records retention compliance.
Counseled cheese and dairy ingredients manufacturer on state GMO labeling law compliance.
Advised numerous clients on ingredients labeling and warning issues.
Successfully resolved a dispute with an ingredients supplier regarding nonconforming goods.
Conducted training on FSMA and risk management.
Advised clients on compliance status of food ingredients and additives and substances used in food packaging and processing equipment.
Defended food companies in false advertising and labeling class action litigation.
Advised clients on food safety reporting obligations and conducting product recalls.
Served as insurance coverage counsel for a food inspection company seeking defense and indemnity for personal injury and property damage claims arising out of a food recall.
Advised buyer on food safety due diligence in acquisition of producer of fresh and frozen produce.
Assisted manufacturer of prepackaged sauces with obtaining SQF certification.
Assisted producer of nonfood-grade corn oil with evaluating regulatory obligations for transition to production of food-grade product.
Assisted national candy manufacturer with revising forms to address supplier FSMA compliance.
Conducted a comprehensive survey of compliance with federal, state and local registrations, certifications and licenses for all of a food manufacturer’s facilities and retail establishments.