Foods law, feed law, food contact materials law

Food, items and materials which come into contact with the raw materials and finished foods, i.e. food contact materials (e.g. machines used in the manufacture of foods, food packaging, table water filters, items used for eating and drinking) and also animal feed are important economic goods. In the meantime at international, European and national levels there are numerous legal and administrative regulations which govern the production, manufacture, sale and marketing of such products. In all member states of the European Union the company owners are legally bound within the means at their disposal and to a reasonable extent to comply with the applicable legal requirements. In order to avoid penalties and company liability and reduce associated risks, companies involved in the manufacture of food and animal feed must therefore ensure compliance with these standards through continual and expert review of internal rules and procedures.

Comprehensive international and interdisciplinary consulting with legal representation for food and animal feed companies

A team of specialised lawyers comprehensively advises and represents companies in the food industry across national borders on all questions which may arise during product development and the manufacture, distribution and marketing of the product. The range of consulting services includes, for example, regulatory questions relating to the product including recommendations for the creation of compliance organisation in the food sector, representation before German and European authorities and institutions, defence in criminal proceedings and assistance with non-compliance procedures, competition law and industrial property protection. We also attach great importance to the interdisciplinary components of this field and as required fall back on our proven network of scientific experts in order to understand and assess complex technological and scientific issues and enable the results to flow into our legal consulting. Food law is ultimately substantially influenced by European and international regulations. In view of this our legal consulting integrates our global experience, special knowledge of European law and international law and expertise regarding the comparison of legal systems to enable us to develop innovative solution concepts.

Wide range of consulting services for food law

Our clients in the food sector have to observe numerous aspects and legal requirements starting with the first product idea including the development, manufacture and marketing of the product and as a result also have to make many varied strategic and entrepreneurial decisions. Rödl & Partner offers the following comprehensive expertise:

Product classification and legal differentiation
Marketability testing for EU member states and other countries
Consulting for product safety and liability including assessment of liability risks
Support for crisis management and communication (withdrawals, recalls, RASFF)
Consulting for hygiene and quality management (e.g. HACCP system)
Consulting for pesticides and contaminants
Review and improvement of the product marking
Consulting for product advertising (e.g. nutritional value and health-related requirements, green claims, clean label)
Approval procedures (e.g. novel food, health claims, additives) and advertisement procedures (e.g. food supplements, enriched foodstuffs)
Approval and registration of food and animal food companies
Competition and antitrust law in the food sector (e.g. consulting for the prohibition of unfair business practices and restrictive agreements)
Contract design (e.g. manufacturing, research, development and co-operation contracts, trade and distribution agreements, license agreements)
Intellectual property (e.g. defence and enforcement of intellectual property rights such as marks and patents and protection against geographical indications of origin)
Consulting in connection with legal questions concerning customs and EU trade law
Regulatory offence procedures and assistance with proceedings in all courts, including the European court of justice and the European court
Representation before German and European authorities

In focus: Life Sciences

Due to the complexity of Life Science Law, the diverse business opportunities in the Life Science Industry face great challenges. We provide an overview of the most important areas of law. Further information can be found under the individual headings:

Contact

Contact Person Picture

Dr. Barbara Klaus

Partner

+49 911 9193 1999

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