Shaping the Future of Food Law Education at MSU

 Why Food Law Matters

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 ensure 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 international organizations alike.

What Makes IFLR Unique

That’s where the Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR) at Michigan State University comes in. For more than two decades, IFLR has helped people around the world understand and navigate the complexities of food regulation. What makes IFLR stand out is its singular focus: we don’t conduct research—we focus 100% on education. 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 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 reflects the reality of food regulation, which increasingly crosses borders and requires international cooperation.

Expert Faculty with Real-World Experience

Our courses are taught by faculty who are not only experts in food law but also bring real-world experience from industry, government, and international organizations. They bring practical insights and real-world examples directly into the classroom, making the learning relevant and engaging.

Learning Designed for Busy Professionals

Because all of our courses are offered online, students can fit their studies around demanding professional and personal lives. Whether you’re an 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 meet you where you are.

Preparing for the Future of Food Law

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 changes, expanding our course offerings, and using innovative online learning tools to keep education accessible, engaging, and relevant.

Our Commitment

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

Save! — Attend the MSU Food Labeling Workshop

 If your company is accused of making false or misleading claims, you have already lost. In addition, to potential regulatory headaches and the class-action lawsuits, there is the public's perception of your company as shady. 

One mistake in labeling could cost your company 35 million dollars, as it did a major yogurt manufacturer. Mistakes can result in a warning letter from the FDA or a nationwide recall. 

Document your investment in due care and attention to food and dietary supplement labeling by attending the Michigan State University workshop in Orlando, Florida, March 5-6, 2024. www.IFLR.msu.edu/labeling

Food and Dietary Supplement Labeling Workshop March 5-6. 2024, Orlando, Florida

The Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR) will present a food and dietary supplement labeling workshop on March 5–6, 2024, at the Hilton DoubleTree Suites, Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista (Orlando), Florida. 

What you will gain: 

• Insight into the FDA’s labeling regulations, policies, and enforcement priorities  

• Clarity regarding new and proposed rules and how to ensure compliance  

• Become more efficient in designing and reviewing labels 

• Bring this knowledge home to increase your team’s overall knowledge

For more information, visit www.iflr.msu.edu/labeling 

Need some support asking your supervisor to attend the Food and Dietary Supplement Labeling Workshop? We’ve developed this template  with helpful talking points about the event and the benefits of your attendance.

Register Early and Save! 

Topics Include 

• Overview of agencies & laws 

• Principal display panels 

• Naming products 

• Information panels 

• Food allergens 

• Overview of USDA-FSIS labeling requirements 

• Nutrition Facts 

• Nutrient content claims 

• Health claims and health-related claims 

• Scientific substantiation of claims 

• Credence claims and conditional claims 

• FDA perspective, food labeling activities 

• Practical applications 

• Current issues, latest updates, and hot topics

Hotel & Disney Ticket Information 

The Hilton DoubleTree Resort is an official Disney Hotel within walking distance of Disney Springs. A small number of rooms have been reserved at our lower room rate which includes a parking discount, waived resort fee, and a free shuttle to Disney Theme Parks. Evening, half-day, and discount tickets to Disney theme parks are available for purchase through the DoubleTree. 

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 

New Online Course: Global Regulation of Food Contact Substances and Packaging

The course starts in January 2019.  More information is available at  https://goo.gl/ESzACq

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