National Food Laws in Comparative Perspective

The objective of this course is to understand how core issues related to food are addressed in constitutions, laws and regulations in different jurisdictions and to develop skills to carry out comparative legal research and analysis.

Using several member states of the EU, the USA and other non-European jurisdictions as case studies, the course examines how relevant issues in food law are regulated inside and outside the EU.

Students will dive into different areas of food law, including constitutional protection of the right to food and its implementation as well as food safety and food information laws and regulations. The course offers students an opportunity to develop skills in comparatives methods through several learning activities that compare initiatives within and beyond the EU.

The aims of the course are fourfold:

1. to acquire understanding of the national regulation of the food sector in a variety of countries (EU member states, USA, other non-European jurisdictions);

2. to acquire knowledge of the differences between the regulatory choices regarding important issues in food law;

3. to develop skills for comparative law research and analysis of food law at national level;

4. to acquire understanding how socio-economic factors, such as local culture, traditions and political systems shape regulatory decisions

If the resit has 5 or fewer students enrolled, the resit exam may take the form of an oral examination. In this case, students will be informed in advance.

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• Explain the different roles of law and regulation in the food sector in different countries
• Apply relevant law and regulations to practical issues pertaining to the food sector
• Compare choices and models in laws and regulations across different countries
• Explain the practical and legal challenges facing food and agricultural companies wishing to operate in different markets

Assumed Knowledge:

For students in the Food Law and Regulatory Affairs Specialisation successful completion of LAW31706Food Law is expected. For other students, prior knowledge of law or food law is recommended but not required, for instance: Food Law (LAW31706), Introduction to Law for the Life Sciences (LAW12806), Legal Transformation and Regulation of Food Systems (LAW32806). Students without prior knowledge may also choose to complete the e-module Essential Law for the Living Environment (LAW13303) before the start of the course.