National Food Laws in Comparative Perspective

The objective of this course is to understand how core issues in the agri-food chain are regulated 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. The comparison focuses on three levels: intra-EU comparison, EU-US comparison, and EU-the world.

During the first week, students dive into the differences that arise between EU member states in specific domains of food law. The second week focuses on US food law. The third week develops comparative food law skills in practice, and consists of several learning activities involving novel regulatory initiatives worldwide and comparing them to the EU approach.

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, global);
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 and affect global food trade.

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 regulatory choices and models 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 LAW22806 Food Law is expected. For other students, prior knowledge of law or food law is recommended but not required, for instance: Food Law (LAW22806), 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 (LAW59703) before the start of the course.