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LIFE SCIENCES LAW – Ralph Schäfer – Lawyer – Your partner for legal issues in the life sciences industry
Food law – legal advice for manufacturers, retailers, start-ups and food innovations
Food law attorney Munich
Navigating food law – safely, transparently, and with consumer protection in mind
Food law forms the central regulatory framework for safety, quality, and consumer protection within the European food industry. It encompasses all requirements for the development, production, labeling, distribution, import, and export of food products. Companies face the challenge of implementing strict regulations while simultaneously operating economically and innovatively.
Life Sciences Law supports manufacturers, distributors, food start-ups, restaurants, food importers, and research institutions in reliably meeting the complex requirements of European and national food law. The firm's consulting services combine legal precision with a practical understanding of production processes, quality management, and industry-specific challenges.
Services in food law
Food law is closely linked to European regulations such as the Food Information Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, hygiene regulations, traceability standards, and product-specific regulations. Companies must ensure that products are correctly labeled, health risks are eliminated, and processes remain auditable at all times.
Life Sciences Law guides you through all regulatory steps – from product development and labeling to crisis management and recall procedures. This results in solutions that meet both legal requirements and consumer expectations.
Labeling, health claims and product information
Correct labeling is one of the most important aspects of food law. Incorrect or misleading information can quickly lead to warnings or sales bans.
Important topics include:
- Food labelling according to LMIV
- Allergen labelling and mandatory information
- Health claims and nutrition claims
- Legal assessment of packaging and online presentation
Clear, legally compliant labeling strategies help companies avoid risks and strengthen consumer confidence.
Product safety, quality and HACCP processes
Food producers must be able to prove at all times that their products are safe and pose no risks to consumers.
Key content includes:
- Product safety requirements and risk assessments
- HACCP concepts and hygiene law
- Quality assurance in production, trade and gastronomy
Clear regulation of production processes not only protects consumers, but also the economic stability of the company.
Production, processing and handling of additives
Production processes must comply with legal requirements regarding ingredients, additives, maximum levels and technological procedures.
The main focus is on:
- Food additive law and permissible procedures
- legal requirements for innovative technologies
- Testing and documentation obligations
Making legally sound decisions during the development phase prevents later market risks.
Traceability, recalls and crisis management
In a crisis, swift and structured action is essential. Recalls or official measures require precise procedures.
Relevant topics include:
- Traceability along the supply chain
- Government communication and risk assessment
- Recall campaigns and crisis strategies
Solid preparation protects companies from significant economic and reputational damage.
Import, export and international food supply chains
Global supply chains regularly present food companies with legal challenges.
This includes:
- Requirements for import and export
- Customs law and import controls
- Evidence, certificates and marketability
A clear regulatory strategy allows for the safe development of international markets.
Warnings, competition law and official proceedings
Food companies are frequently confronted with warnings, complaints or orders under competition law.
Key areas include:
- Defense against cease and desist letters
- Legal limits on advertising and claims
- Proceedings before food safety authorities
Sound legal support reduces risks and creates certainty in action.
Contracts, sales and cooperation in the food industry
Besides product safety, proper contract design is crucial.
Typical contents:
- Supply contracts and quality assurance agreements
- Trade and distribution relationships
- Research and development contracts
- Well-structured contracts reduce liability risks and ensure transparency along the value chain.
Start-ups, product development and innovations
Young companies in particular need clear guidelines to bring products to market quickly and in compliance with the law.
Important aspects include:
- regulatory support during product development
- Evaluation of innovative recipes
- Food tech, alternative foods and new processes
Regulatory clarity accelerates innovation processes and increases investment and market security.
Submit your inquiry now
We will gladly advise you comprehensively and personally on your request.
Submit your inquiry now
We will gladly advise you comprehensively and personally on your request.
Why Life Science Law in food law?
Life Sciences Law Ralph Schäfer combines specialized legal advice with genuine leadership experience from the life sciences industry. Admitted to the bar for 27 years, he has held various roles as in-house and external legal counsel and business manager in international companies, including General Counsel and board member of a publicly listed biotech company, as well as in associations.
These include, among others:
- 10+ years as General Counsel and Corporate Counsel international, publicly listed medical technology, biotech and pharmaceutical company
- Long-standing responsibility in senior positions, long-time member of the management team, and as a board member of a listed biotech company, with a focus on law, compliance, strategy and regulation
- Extensive experience as a compliance officer of a publicly listed biotech company
- Extensive experience at the interface of pharmaceuticals, biotech, medtech and health care
- Solution finder, strategy partner and legal guide for executive and supervisory boards
This combination of legal expertise and operational management practice enables the firm to provide advice that is legally precise, economically viable, and practically implementable. The firm stands for personal, pragmatic, and ethically oriented support in the highly regulated life sciences environment.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Food Law
Food law is based on EU regulations such as the Food Information Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (LMIV) and national regulations such as the German Food and Feed Code (LFGB). It regulates the labeling, safety, composition, and marketing of food products.
Companies must ensure that their products pose no health risks, are correctly labeled, and meet all hygiene requirements. HACCP, traceability, and quality controls are mandatory.
A label is considered misleading if it creates false expectations or omits relevant information. Health claims and nutritional information, in particular, are subject to strict regulations.
In the event of a risk, companies must act immediately, inform authorities, recall products, and analyze the causes. Effective crisis management structures significantly reduce response times.
Only approved additives may be used. Maximum quantities and conditions of use also apply. Companies must carefully document their processes.
Authorities inspect labeling, hygiene, and safety. Violations can result in restrictions, fines, or sales bans. Strong arguments and thorough documentation are crucial.
HACCP ensures that risks are systematically identified and controlled. It is mandatory for all food businesses and a basis for audits.
The responsibility lies with the food business operator – regardless of whether they are a manufacturer, distributor, or importer. They must guarantee the safety of the products at all times.
Health claims may only be used if they are scientifically substantiated and approved. Violations quickly lead to warnings and official action.
Legal advice is particularly useful when it comes to product development, labeling issues, cease-and-desist letters, export requirements, crisis management, or regulatory proceedings. In all these areas, Life Sciences Law provides legal certainty, clear decisions, and reliable support so that you can identify risks early and effectively avoid them.
lawyer
contact
Your law firm LIFE SCIENCES LAW - Ralph Schäfer – Lawyer.
- +49 8151 4466683
- ralph.schaefer@lifescienceslaw.de
-
Munich Street 33
82319 Starnberg