Next Generation Partners

EU regulatory: Food in Belgium

Covington & Burling LLP

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.

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.