Food Law

Food Law (LAW31706) is an introduction to the technical food laws in the EU, knowledge which is certainly essential in order to work in or with the EU food sector. The course teaches how to find, understand and predict EU food law, and how to navigate the legal requirements on food from a practical perspective.

After following the course, participants know what the EU food law requirements on food safety, quality, technology and information matters are, how to apply them in real life scenarios, and how to anticipate future food regulatory developments. They are able to use the law and solve practical cases, for instance about how to authorise a novel food product, how to use health claims on products, or how to provide attractive food information on packaging within the legal limits. The course is designed for participants without prior legal background.

The course covers the following topics:

• the genesis of EU food law and its future (2020 Farm to Fork Strategy by the European Commission, Strategic Dialogue and 2024-2029 European Commission initiatives);
• Food Law Research Training;
• the General Food Law Regulation (food law principles, European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA), food safety, risk assessment, communication and management);
• Food Technology Law (Novel food, GMO food, Food Improvement Agents);
• Food Safety Law (traceability & hygiene, MRLs, pesticides, and contaminants in foods, Food Contact Materials);
• Food Information Law (consumer protection, food information and product labeling, nutrition labelling & health claims, public and private labelling schemes);
• Food Quality Law (product quality standards, organic food, food quality schemes, foods for specific groups).

• Explain how food products are regulated

• Identify and analyse food law requirements

• Research food law using the relevant legal databases and information sources

• Deploy legal reasoning

• Solve real-life legal problems (‘cases’) in the food domain

• Written test with closed questions (80%) The official WUR reader 'legal materials' can be used (without annotations) during the exam.
• Assignment essay (20%) Course participants prepare a weekly group assignment to solve a legal case in writing ('Legal Brief').

Prior legal background is not a prerequisite for participation in this course, although it is, of course, welcome.

• * reader with legal materials; * additional literature in Brightspace; * optional: text book Schebesta & Purnhagen *EU Food Law* (OUP 2024).