Keller and Heckman’s European Food and Feed Practice promotes, protects and defends products made by the spectrum of industries regulated under national, international and EU food law. Thanks to our team of in-house scientists, regulatory attorneys and technical specialists, we are uniquely positioned to represent and advise food and beverage companies on a comprehensive array of legal and regulatory issues. We help our clients navigate the maze of sector-specific legislation and regulations, relevant listing, implementation, enforcement and clearance rules.
Import & Export, Pre-Market and Goods-to-Market Issues
We assist our clients in minimizing and resolving trade barrier issues by assessing the need to obtain regulatory approvals at EU and/or national level for foods or ingredients. We prepare and submit the relevant applications or notifications to obtain regulatory clearance or amending conditions (e.g. for food additives, flavourings, supplements, novel foods, etc.). We also advise on the practical application of the principle of mutual recognition, and on many other aspects of the European and nation regulatory framework, covering -amongst others-food labelling, food processing and hygiene, nutrition and health claims, GMOs and food safety.
Compliance & Risk management
Keller and Heckman’s EU Food and Feed Practice provides strategic advice and commercial assistance to all food and beverage clients in the supply chain, for instance by assisting on responses to consumer complaints and advising on product liability issues relating to breach of contract, limitation of liability and indemnity issues.
We also assist our clients in case withdrawal and recall requirements and procedures (including these under the framework of EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)) and the communication with governmental and non-governmental authorities in this respect, and assist in mitigating reputational damage issues.
Product Defence, Product Liability and Food Litigation
Keller and Heckman’s European Food and Feed Practice is widely recognized for its commitment to defend its clients against product liability claims, advertising complaints and competitor’ challenges as well as assisting clients in challenging decisions taken by a national of European (regulatory) institution.
When litigation arises, we are skilled at evaluating and resolving cases realistically and effectively. Keller and Heckman provides a full range of dispute avoidance and resolution services and represents clients in all phases of litigation in European and National courts, as well as before European and national (regulatory) institutions.
Governmental Affairs
Keller and Heckman’s European Food and Feed practice recognizes that interaction with European and national governmental and non-governmental bodies is integral to an effective global business strategy. Keller and Heckman’s European Food and Feed practice combines legislative and political experience and assists clients inter alia in retaining market access where changes in legislation impact product portfolios. We also closely monitor legislation and policies affecting the regulation of foods and provide strategic analysis of relevant laws and treaties.