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.

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.

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’.

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.

Baker McKenzie BV/SRL 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.

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.

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‘.

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.

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.

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’.

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.