S. Food Law and Policy

This U.S. Food Law & Policy seminar will provide an overview of the complex laws and policies governing food and beverage alcohol in the United States. Topics will include the origins and sources of modern food law and policy; the intricate federal labeling laws; the role and spheres of responsibility of various federal and state agencies; consumer litigation and its implications; advertising and competition between market actors; the treatment of emerging technologies and trends in food and beverage regulation; manufacturing issues, product recalls, and criminal and civil liability for foodborne illness; distribution issues; the legislation of social and health issues related to food manufacturing and consumption; and food law and policy problems on the horizon.

The class will examine themes of blame and responsibility, and the broader societal debate over whether individuals, corporations, or government entities bear responsibility for healthy food preferences, a safe and sustainable food supply, alcohol and calorie intake, competition issues and distribution structures in regulated industries. The class will consider how food policy in the United States is not only fragmented but often self-contradictory.

Students will also gain practical experience through two counseling exercises, and then will be responsible for writing a short memo (750-1000 words) delivering legal advice on the problem posed. Each student will also be responsible for a final independent or group 20-page researched paper on a food law and policy topic.

Major Writing Credit Upon Consultation.