Food and Beverage Industry
We have successfully resolved dozens of administrative and investigatory matters before the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Given that more processed foods comprise our diets today, food allergies are on the rise. While any food may cause an allergic reaction, in fact 90% of food allergies in children are caused by just six common food and food groups: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and wheat.
Our attorneys counsel and train businesses, school systems, and restaurants about proper food storage and handling safeguards, meal prep areas and tools, the duty to warn, and the proper ways to respond to allergic reactions that occur in their facilities.
In addition to food safety, we counsel clients regarding their general business operations, labor guidelines and handbooks, and insurance coverage. We represent food industry clients in litigation matters, franchise and subsidiary matters, and agreements for the sale, purchase, and brokerage of food and beverage products.
We collaborate with clients on matters arising from legislative enactments including the following.
- Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
- Transformed the nation’s food safety system by shifting the focus from responding to foodborne illness to preventing it.
- Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA)
- Protects businesses dealing in fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables by establishing and enforcing a code of fair business practices.
- Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act)
- Regulates meatpacking, livestock dealers, market agencies, live poultry dealers, and swine contractors to prohibit unfair or deceptive practices.
Attorney Contact: Ryan M. Gembala