Covington & Burling LLP is ‘unique in having unsurpassed knowledge which comfortably spans every aspect of food regulation‘, using its offices across Brussels, London, Frankfurt, and Dublin to act on regulatory investigations, advertising complaints and administrative challenges for its clients. The team is adept at handling policy and regulatory matters before the European Commission and skilled at advising on matters spanning food, medicine, policy, and trade, with a focus on issues including cannabis, personalised nutrition, and meat alternatives. Brian Kelly is the head of the team, and is ‘an utter delight to work with’. Bart Van Vooren is key to the team, with a practice focusing on food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
EU regulatory: Food in Belgium
Covington & Burling LLP
Praxisleiter:
Brian Kelly
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Bart Van Vooren; Maree Gallagher; Katharina Ewert
Referenzen
‘The Covington team is unique in having unsurpassed knowledge which comfortably spans every aspect of food regulation, in addition to all of the other fields of EU regulation that tend to come into focus in order to complete one’s advice in this enormous field. The team is international and massively experienced not only on the advisory side but, importantly, on the litigation side, and enormously pleasant to work with.’
‘Brian Kelly is superb. His knowledge of EU regulatory affairs is unparalleled. He is an utter delight to work with and tireless on behalf of his clients. He is also enormously experienced as a litigator and is both dogged and sensible in the points he pursues.’
‘Katharina Ewert is a pleasure to work with. She is indefatigable and strains every sinew to get the right result for her clients. She is also fantastically knowledgeable in all of the fields she works in (pharmaceuticals, medicinal devices, foods, and broader life sciences). She is a very experienced litigator and becomes an indispensable asset in every litigation team she works in.’
Kernmandanten
Monk Fruit Corporation
Odysea
Aboca
Aloe Vera of Europe BV
Eat JUST, Inc.
St. Pierre Groupe Limited
Beyond Meat
PrecisionBiotics
Health Food Manufacturers Association
Holland & Barrett
OptiBac Probiotics
Raisio Group
Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc
Science in Sport Plc
Vitabiotics
Highlight-Mandate
- Representing Aloe Vera of Europe, a manufacturer of Aloe Vera drinks, in litigation before the EU General Court, including a request for suspension against a Commission Regulation banning HADs, a substance that is found naturally in most plants, for an infringement of the precautionary principle.
- Instructed by Monk Fruit Corp. to launch parallel judicial reviews of decisions taken by the UK’s Food Safety Authority, and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
DALDEWOLF
DALDEWOLF‘s food and beverage practice is recognised by clients for being an 'outstanding team with very good knowledge of the industry', with expertise across nutrition and health claims, advertising, food supplements, and distribution networks. Food supply chain liability issues are another strength of the team under the leadership of Aude Mahy, who excels at the intersection of commercial and food law and handles a busy workload including advice on labelling issues and crisis management.
Praxisleiter:
Aude Mahy
Referenzen
‘An outstanding team with very good knowledge of the industry. The cooperation is always very collegial, open, and reliable.’
‘I have always been very much satisfied with the high quality and accuracy of the service they can provide in a timely manner. They are proactive and willing to understand the needs of the client.’
‘Aude Mahy is an excellent food lawyer, being able to combine strong expertise with pragmatism and proactiveness, making her a precious partner for our company.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented a Belgian-based company commercialising organic products and part of a German group in a landmark case against the Belgian administration regarding the type of ingredients authorised in organic products.
- Assisted a Honduran company regarding compliance with its corporate social responsibilities.
- Assisted a company which created human milk-based nutritional fortifiers with an advisory report which was published by the Belgian Superior Health Council, providing an expert opinion on FSMPs containing human milk.
Food Law Science & Partners
Food Law Science & Partners is ‘composed of legal professionals with backgrounds not only in law but also in food science, biochemistry, and nutrition’ allowing the practice to take a multidisciplinary approach and act on food safety, crisis management, and product recall work. The team is skilled at working on novel matters related to food, and works for food manufacturers across EU and non-EU countries. Katia Merten-Lentz leads the team, and is recognised for ‘her expansive knowledge of the field and ability to think strategically’.
Praxisleiter:
Katia Merten-Lentz
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Charlotte Moutalier
Referenzen
‘They have a unique mix of consistency and easy communication. They always reply within minutes.’
‘They are very supportive, fast responding, and experts on food regulations.’
‘They are always available to respond to your requests.’
Kernmandanten
Bardinet
Ceamsa
Fuji Oil
Green Spot Technologies
Groupe Bel
IPA Europe
Kalsec
Proteme
Soufflet Group
Standing Ovation
Vital Meat
Andros
Apeel Sciences
Barilla
Cygyc Biocon
Groupe Avril
LabelBank Japan
Nanuk
NextFood
Omya
Saint-Hubert
Sodiaal
The Mediterranean Foodlab
Vitagora
Hogan Lovells International LLP
The practice at Hogan Lovells International LLP advises regularly on all aspects of EU food and feed law, with expertise spanning additives, agro-chemicals, biotechnology, health claims, marketing and promotion, and product recalls. The firm is well versed in navigating complex compliance issues and is particularly skilled at litigation. Jacqueline Mailly leads the team, acting on food and biotechnology regulations, and assisting companies with product recall and crisis management. Gregoire Paquet acts for companies in the environment, food, consumer goods, and automotive sectors.
Praxisleiter:
Jacqueline Mailly
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Gregoire Paquet
Kernmandanten
International Fresh Produce Association Yes
Mars Wrigley Confectionery UK Limited
Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats
Mars FoodUK Ltd
Mars Petcare UK
Royal Canin SAS
Color Brands No
Kellogg Europe Trading Limited (“Kellanova”)
Partnerships for Forests
Coopcerrado
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the IFPA on the building of a trade association coalition (Alliance forSustainable Packaging for Foods – ASPF) and the design of an effective EU engagement strategy to effect sustainable packaging regulations in the EU.
- Advised Partnerships for Forests (NGO) and Coopcerrado, a group of Brazilian agricultural cooperatives, on the EU and UK authorisation process for a novel traditional food, including engagement with relevant regulatory authorities and EFSA.
- Advised a major US food company on a strategy for notification, communication, and engagement with local authorities regarding a recall in several EU countries and the UK of one of their products due to a quality and potential food safety concern.
Baker McKenzie BV/SRL
Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL advises European and international clients on all aspects of food law, boasting a dedicated regulatory practice with experience in product denomination issues, food contaminants, labelling issues, and sustainability. The ‘pragmatic and to the point’ team is led by Geert Bovy, who has particular experience advising on advertising and marketing issues. Joost Vynckier and Sebastian Tytgat are both of note.
Praxisleiter:
Geert Bovy
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Joost Vynckier; Sebastian Tytgat
Referenzen
‘Efficient, pragmatic, good practical expertise and a good network.’
‘Pragmatic and to the point.’
Highlight-Mandate
Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird‘s food practice represents food and beverage producers, distributors, and biotech companies in a wide range of regulatory matters, from market access requirements to labelling and marketing requirements. Nicolas Carbonnelle leads the team, with extensive knowledge of food and beverage products. Carbonnelle is particularly noted for his work in innovative areas, including lab-grown meat and novel genomic techniques. Julie Dernelle is noted.
Praxisleiter:
Nicolas Carbonnelle
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Julie Dernelle
Kernmandanten
SodaStream and SodaPressCo
Insects sector (IPIFF)
GDI NV
Food supplement companies (JuicePlus, Ross Barr)
Eckes-Granini
Several food technology start-ups/ scale-ups (incl. Mori, Xampla, Akorn)
Treasure Wine Estates
DS Smith
GYNI S.G. Ltd (Sweet Victory Gum)
Nando’s Chickenland Ltd.
Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers
Torr Bar Ltd (Presteez Bars)
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising SodaStream/Soda Press Co on the validation of the ingredients used in these ranges of products, the content of the consumer-facing labelling of the products and advice on the nutrition and health claims related to those products.
- Advised clients including 8Greens, JuicePlus, Biocodex, and Ross Barr on commercialising food supplements (nutraceuticals), including 8Greens, JuicePlus, Biocodex, and Ross Barr.
- Reviewed the regulatory status of the products of Japanese enzyme manufacturer Amano Enzymes, particularly in relation to the Novel Foods Regulation.
Keller and Heckman LLP
Keller and Heckman LLP‘s food regulatory practice is recommended for its ‘very specialised knowledge, solidity, comprehensiveness and efficiency’, with vast expertise in direct and indirect food matters. Proficient in food packaging matters, Rachida Semail leads the team and is ‘highly visible in the small world of chemical regulations in Europe and beyond‘. Hazel O’Keeffe is a ‘very knowledgeable, efficient and supportive partner’, with a focus on sustainability. Craig Simpson is noted for his ‘deep knowledge of EU food case law‘.
Praxisleiter:
Rachida Semail
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Hazel O’Keeffe; Craig Simpson
Referenzen
‘The capability to merge analytical and legal knowledge, providing support from design to production and integrating good practices is the strength of this team.’
‘Rachida Semail is very knowledgeable about the regulations but also in translating the requirements in a simpler language, supporting and ensuring compliance. Rachida has supported us also in defining the best strategy to implement a new material in the market.’
‘I really value the breadth and depth of the expertise of the staff at the Brussels office on regulatory matters.’
Kernmandanten
Avantium Renewable Polymers
Carbios
Kisuma Chemicals B.V.
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Avantium Renewable Polymers on marketing its products to be supplied to various brand owners for use in various food-contact applications, and entering new markets while remaining compliant.
- Advised Carbios with compostable plastic packaging technology that contributes to waste reduction of PLA-based plastics and, thus, supports the circular economy.
ALTIUS
ALTIUS advises domestic and international food, drink, and agricultural companies and governments on matters related to intellectual property, compliance with Belgian and international frameworks, and establishing digital platforms. Commended for being ‘very clear and precise on the advice they provide‘, the team works closely with experts in M&A, finance, and intellectual property. Philippe de Jong and Olivier Vrins are heads of the practice, both with vast expertise in intellectual property work.
Praxisleiter:
Philippe de Jong; Olivier Vrins
Referenzen
‘Competence and approachability.’
‘Lawyers are very clear and precise on the advice they provide. They are also approachable and responsive.’
Kernmandanten
SESVanderHave N.V.
Mitsui AgriScience
The Government and Attorney General of Pakistan
Euroseeds AISBL
Syngenta Crop Protection AG
French ‘Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité’
Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC)
Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC)
Bayer CropScience
Croplife Europe
oriGIn
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented a Belgian sugar beet breeder, SESVanderhave NV, in proceedings before the Belgian Council of State.
- Represented Pakistan before the European Commission in a dispute regarding the registration of ‘Basmati’ as a protected geographical indication for rice in the EU.
- Advised a seed company on several issues relating to the EU seed registration and marketing legislation, in particular: the possibility of challenging under EU law the decision of a member state to delete one of its varieties from the national register and the legal options to have this variety reinstated.
DLA Piper
The multidisciplinary team at DLA Piper works with an impressive slew of longstanding clients on labelling requirements, compliance issues, and packaging requirements. Bob Martens leads the practice, with Lieven Annaert playing a key role in the team.
Praxisleiter:
Bob Martens
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lieven Annaert
Kernmandanten
Lotus Bakeries
Tasties
Brewdog
Nutreco
Bacardi-Martini
SodaStream International Ltd
Barry Callebaut
Sodexo
Hard Rock Café
Philip Morris
Colruyt
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Lotus Bakeries on labelling requirements and other regulatory matters.
- Acted for a well-known international drinks company on regulatory and compliance issues, including the packaging and labelling of alcoholic, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, and marketing requirements for particular products.
- Advising a US multinational food company on labelling and packaging requirements for its products as well as other compliance issues.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher‘s practice comprises of ‘highly knowledgeable and incredibly responsive’ lawyers, combining regulatory and compliance advice with vast transactional expertise. Food innovation, marketing, advertising, and crisis management are all strengths of the team. David Haverbeke leads the team, which is noted for its ‘attention to detail, dedication and passion for its work’.
Praxisleiter:
David Haverbeke
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Claudio Mereu; Peter Sellar; Gerard McElwee; Koen Van Maldegem
Referenzen
‘What truly sets Fieldfisher apart is not only the ability to navigate the complexities of food regulations (both local and EU) but also their personal and proactive approach. The team is highly knowledgeable and incredibly responsive, ensuring that every question is answered and every concern is addressed promptly. The team’s ability to anticipate challenges and offer innovative, practical solutions has been invaluable in helping us grow our business while remaining compliant.’
‘The individual lawyers I work with are nothing short of exceptional. Their attention to detail, dedication, and passion for their work are evident in every interaction. The communication is always clear, concise, and thoughtful, making even the most complex legal matters easy to understand and navigate.’
Kernmandanten
Alcohol Task Force
AMFEP
Carmeuse
Reckitt Benckiser
Highlight-Mandate
- Providing ongoing assistance to Reckitt in the context of the legislation on chemicals, food, and infant formula.
- Advising a trade association on the definition of processing aids taking into account the specific nature of enzymes.
- Advising a client on processing aids and the mutual recognition principle.
Jones Day
Jones Day advises a range of European and international clients on regulatory issues, and has a dedicated EU food law practice. Product authorisations, labelling, and recall cases are all mainstays of the practice, which also covers environmental matters as well as health and safety issues. Ursula Schliessner leads the practice, with expertise in EU chemicals regulations and REACH regulation. Also of note is Preslava Dilkova, who has expertise in biocides, pesticides, and EU product safety.
Praxisleiter:
Ursula Schliessner
Kernmandanten
E 172 Consortium of pharma, food, feed, and chemical companies
Lipton Teas and Infusions
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Lotus Bakeries on labelling requirements and other regulatory matters.
- Advised an international drinks company on regulatory and compliance issues, including the packaging and labelling of alcoholic, non-alcoholic, and low-alcohol beverages, and marketing requirements for particular products.
- Advised a US multinational food company on labelling and packaging requirements for its products.