Shaping the Future of Food Law Education at MSU

When you think about the foods that make it to your table—from fresh produce to international imports—it’s easy to forget the complicated network of rules and regulations that make sure those products are safe, properly labeled, and fairly traded. Behind every label, inspection, and compliance form is a system of food laws that touches nearly every aspect of our lives. Understanding those laws isn’t just for lawyers; it’s essential for professionals across the food industry, policymakers, and even international organizations.

That’s where the Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR) at Michigan State University comes in. For more than two decades, IFLR has been helping people around the world understand and navigate the complexities of food regulation. What makes IFLR stand out is its singular focus: we don’t do research—we focus 100% on education. That means every course, every program, and every innovation is designed with one goal in mind: providing the best possible learning experience in food law.

A Global Classroom
One of the hallmarks of IFLR is its international reach. Our students come from across the globe, creating a truly diverse and dynamic learning community. In any given class, you might find a government regulator from Africa, a food safety officer from Asia, and an attorney working on trade issues in Europe—all learning alongside one another. This global mix of perspectives doesn’t just enrich the classroom; it also reflects the reality of food regulation, which increasingly crosses borders and requires international cooperation.

Expert Faculty, Real-World Experience
Our courses are led by faculty who are not only experts in food law but also have hands-on experience in industry, government, and international organizations. They bring real-world cases, challenges, and solutions directly into the classroom, making the learning both practical and engaging.

Accessible and Flexible Learning
Because all of our courses are offered online, students can fit their studies around busy professional and personal lives. Whether you’re a food industry executive looking to understand trade regulations, a policymaker navigating labeling requirements, or a student preparing for a career in food law, IFLR’s flexible programs are built to meet you where you are.

Looking Ahead
The world of food law is constantly evolving, from new technologies like cell-based meats to shifting international trade agreements. IFLR is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments, expanding our course offerings, and leveraging the latest in online learning technology to keep education accessible, engaging, and relevant.

At Michigan State University, we believe that education has the power to transform industries and improve lives. Through IFLR, we’re proud to empower professionals and students across the globe to navigate food laws with confidence, shaping safer, fairer, and more transparent food systems for everyone.

Enroll now in an online graduate course in food law

 

Enroll now in an online graduate course in food law. Topics include food law in the US, EU, international overview, animal health/trade, FSIS law, and regulatory leadership. Work toward a certificate or master's in regulatory affairs. Class begins August 25. https://lnkd.in/dMQvgcB8

Enroll now, classes begin a week from today!

Enroll now for January 2025 The following online graduate courses are offered this spring semester. Classes run January 13 through May 2, 2025. International Food Laws and Regulations Food Laws and Regulations in the United States Food Laws and Regulations in Canada International Food Standards, Codex Alimentarius Beer, Wine, and Spirits Laws & Regulations FSMA - The Law of the Preventive Controls for Human and Animal Food Rule Click here for full enrollment information. Join Our Mailing List

Online Food Law Courses Start January 13

Learn food law ONLINE with Michigan State University www.IFLR.msu.edu. Classes begin January 13, 2025. My International Food Law course features phenomenal guest speakers:

Are you in compliance with the FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program Rule?

 

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/fsma-fsvp-overview?language_id=

Need Employer Support to Attend the Food Labeling Workshop?

 Need support from your employer to attend the labeling workshop? Here are some ideas to help you get approved: https://www.canr.msu.edu/food-labeling-workshop/Labeling%20workshop%20participation%20request%20template.docx 

Food Labeling Updates

Food Labeling Updates from the Organizers of the Food & Dietary Supplement Labeling Workshop http://tinyurl.com/p4fur2 

Food and Dietary Supplement Labeling Workshop March 5-6. 2024, Orlando, Florida

The Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR) is presenting a food and dietary supplement labeling workshop on March 5–6, 2024, at the Hilton DoubleTree Suites, Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista (Orlando), Florida. 

What you will gain: 

• Insight into the FDA’s labeling regulations, policies, and enforcement priorities  
• Clarity regarding new and proposed rules and how to ensure compliance  
• Become more efficient in designing and reviewing labels 
• Bring this knowledge home to increase your team’s overall knowledge

For more information, visit www.iflr.msu.edu/labeling 

Need some support asking your supervisor to attend the Food and Dietary Supplement Labeling Workshop? We’ve developed this template with helpful talking points about the event and the benefits of your attendance.

Food Labeling Workshop Presented by the MSU Institute for Food Laws and Regulation

Date: March 7–8, 2023 

Location: Orlando, Florida 

Hotel: DoubleTree Suites Resort at Disney Springs (an official Disney hotel) 

Website: www.iflr.msu.edu/labeling

Register Early and Save! 

The early bird registration price is US $1,195.00 and through December 20, 2022

+ $100 after December 20, 2022 (US $1,295.00) 

+ $100 after February 7, 2023 (US $1,395.00)


Click here to register using a credit card 
You may register multiple participants in one transaction.

Learning Outcomes 

• Insight into the USDA’s labeling regulations, policies, and enforcement priorities 
• Clarity regarding new and proposed rules and how to ensure compliance with our products 
• Become more efficient in designing and reviewing labels 
• Bring this knowledge home to increase your team’s overall knowledge

Topics Include 

• Overview of agencies & laws 
• Principal display panels 
• Naming products 
• Information panels 
• Food allergens 
• Overview of USDA-FSIS labeling requirements 
• Nutrition Facts 
• Nutrient content claims 
• Health claims and health-related claims 
• Scientific substantiation of claims 
• Credence claims and conditional claims 
• FDA perspective, food labeling activities 
• Practical applications 
• Current issues, latest updates, and hot topics

Hotel & Disney Ticket Information 

The Hilton DoubleTree Resort is an official Disney Hotel within walking distance of Disney Springs. A small number of rooms have been reserved at our negotiated room rate of US $189.00/night + taxes. This includes a parking discount, waived resort fee, and a free shuttle to Disney Theme Parks. Evening, half-day, and discount tickets to Disney theme parks are available for purchase through the DoubleTree. Learn more here.

Contact Andrea Besley, abesley@msu.edu Tel: 517–884–0608 www.iflr.msu.edu/labeling 

The new edition of Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy, and Practice has published

The third edition of Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy, and Practice has been published. The book presents an appetizing menu of all key aspects of United States food regulation.  Incomparably comprehensive yet remaining accessible to all readers, the text connects legal theory to practical application. The third edition is fully updated to reflect significant changes in US food law. 

For more information, visit: www.foodregulation.us 

Delaying Feedback Improves Understanding

Educators and students often assume that feedback is most effective when given immediately. However, that assumption is challenged by research. A growing body of evidence shows that delayed feedback enhances retention and learning. 

The assumption about the benefit of immediate feedback derives from behavioral exercises, such as rats receiving pellets for traversing a maze or dogs receiving a biscuit for following a command. With operant conditioning, pairing the feedback quickly after the response is essential for the animal to perceive the connection and learn. Even a few-second delay in feedback decreases effectiveness. 

Behaviorists, like B.F. Skinner, and educational psychologists applied this principle to the classroom. Although extrapolating from rats in a maze to human students is a giant leap, the idea that immediate feedback is best for classroom learning took root and grew to the level of myth. Perhaps this was in part because students overwhelmingly prefer immediate feedback. Essentially, no one prefers delayed feedback. In addition, students perceive immediate feedback as a big benefit to their learning, even in the face of results that show delayed feedback enhances retention and understanding. The metacognitive illusion of learning is powerful and more fun than the actual work of learning. 

For students, review the exam feedback because it will improve your understanding but avoid an immediate post mortem of your work. Allow some time to pass so that you come back to the material fresh. For educators, if you take a few extra days to grade students’ work, they may not believe you, but it is for their own good.

Plan your year of Food Laws & Regs!

 Online graduate courses:

Summer 2021 (May 17 - August 19, 2021)

• Food Laws & Regs in China

Fall 2021 (September 1 - December 17, 2021)

• International Food Laws & Regs
• Food Laws & Regs in the U.S.
• Food Laws & Regs in the E.U.
• Food Laws & Regs in Latin America (Not offered again until fall 2023.)
• Global Animal Health, Food Safety, and International Trade
• Regulatory Leadership in Food Law (Newly enhanced, read more below.)
• The Law of the Produce Safety Rule

Spring 2022 (January 10 - May 6, 2022)

• International Food Laws & Regs
• Food Laws & Regs in the U.S.
• Food Laws & Regs in Canada
• Codex Alimentarius, the World Food Code
• Wine, Beer, and Spirits Laws & Regs (Not offered again until Spring 2024.)
• Law of the FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule

Online Undergrad Summer Course in Food Law

An online summer course in Food Law, just for undergrads! Do you have a future food scientist in your life? This Michigan State University course is open to students at other universities and around the world. Please help us spread the word to undergrads and interns. Learn more about the course and tuition here. 

IFT Food Laws & Regulations Division Travel Scholarships

IFT Travel Scholarships for food science students open March 2, 2020 and closes March 30, 2020. 

The IFT Laws & Regulations Division initiate a new travel scholarship this year. The $800 awards are to attend the IFT20 Expo and the division event at IFT20. Applicants must be an IFT Student Member and of the member Food Laws and Regulations Division, but if not a member, can join today. Student membership is a bargain and a great investment. 

FDA Reopens Comment Period on General Principles for Food Standards Modernization

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reopening the comment period on a 2005 proposed ruleto establish a set of general principles for the agency to use when considering whether to establish, revise, or eliminate a food standard of identity. 

The 2005 proposed rule included 13 general principles for food standards modernization. With the development of new types of food products and the most recent nutritional science, the FDA is taking a fresh look at existing standards of identity. FDA states, “The goals of food standards modernization are to protect consumers against economic adulteration; maintain the basic nature, essential characteristics and nutritional integrity of food; and promote industry innovation by giving manufacturers the flexibility to produce healthier foods.”

FDA Extends Compliance Deadline for New Nutritional Labeling Rules

FDA issued final rules to implement changes to the nutrition labeling and serving size regulations in May 2016. Compliance with the new requirements was initially set for July 26, 2018 (July 26, 2019 for small manufacturers). In May 2018, FDA issued a final rule extending the compliance dates to January 1, 2020, for manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual food sales and January 1, 2021, for manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales.

FDA announced that it will effectively extend the compliance deadline again  during the first six months following the January 1, 2020 compliance date.   FDA stated it will  “work cooperatively with manufacturers to meet the new Nutrition Facts label requirements and will not focus on enforcement actions regarding these requirements during that time.” 

Trump Calls for Streamlined Regulation of Genetically Engineered Food

President Trump signed Executive Order on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products on June 11, 2019. The order directs federal agencies to streamline regulations and guidance documents regarding products of agricultural biotechnology. 

The impact of the executive order will idepend on the actions of the federal agencies. The regulatory system must not only ensure the safety of new biotechnology but also must foster public confidence in that safety. Avoiding undue regulatory burden is important, but simply deregulating genetic engineering could result in loss of public confidence in genetically engineered foods. 

FSIS Proposes Elimination of Dual Net Content Labeling

The USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) proposed amending its labeling regulations to remove the requirement for dual declaration of net contents on packages that contain more than one pound or one pint but less than four pounds or one gallon. Under the proposal, meat and poultry packages in these ranges would be allowed to express contents in one of the avoirdupois units of measure instead of both. For example, the net weight could read, “56 oz.” or “3.5 lbs.” rather than “56 oz. (3.5 lbs.)” 

In its preamble to its proposal FSIS states, “If the proposed changes are finalized, FSIS expects the net weight and content requirements will be clearer and there will be fewer . . . questions and less misunderstanding of the net weight and content requirements.” 

What do you think? Will clarity be achieved by eliminating the dual listing? If clarity is the goal, wouldn’t it be simpler to list just in the largest whole unit? That is, wouldn’t it be simpler to always label three pounds as “3 lbs.” As proposed, three pounds would sometimes be “3 lbs.”, but sometimes “48 oz.”, other times “3 lbs. (48 oz.)”, and still other times “48 oz. (3 lbs.)”

You can let FSIS know what you think of their proposal. FSIS is asking for comments by June 17, 2019.

New Online Course: Food Regulation in China

Online Graduate Course: Food Laws and Regulations in China Updated curriculum for summer 2019   NEW RANGE OF TOPICS NEW TEAM OF INSTRUCTORS CLASS RUNS MAY 13 - AUGUST 15, 2019 Enroll Now This course is designed to provide students with an overview of various aspects of food law in China. Taught with an IFLR lead instructor along with various China food law experts from around the world, this redesigned course has been updated to reflect the latest laws and regulations and touches on emerging issues. Topics include: cultural, socio-economic differences compared to other countries/regions; organization of China's food laws, delegation of risk assessment and risk management roles and responsibilities in the Government of China; cross border and e-commerce issues; food labeling and claims permitted; novel food approval; genetic modification and; food additives and contaminants. Hot topics such as food safety, food fraud, and import-exportissues such as tariffs and liabilities toward consumers will also be addressed. This course will include various weekly readings, lectures, assignments, discussions with experts, and three quizzes. There will not be a final exam. Learn more at www.iflr.msu.edu. Contact iflr@msu.edu for assistance. Copyright © 2019 Institute for Food Laws and Regulations, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Institute for Food Laws and Regulations 474 S Shaw Lane, Suite 3385 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI  48824 Add us to your address book

New Online Course: Global Regulation of Food Contact Substances and Packaging

The course starts in January 2019.  More information is available at  https://goo.gl/ESzACq