Monday, August 18, 2025

Enroll now for fall semester food law courses online

Enroll now for the fall semester. Begin an MS in Food Regulatory Affairs or enroll in other courses for industry professionals. Visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/fall-enrollment 

Photo of Japanese Maple leaves in red and yellow. Text reads

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.

Friday, November 18, 2022

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

The Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR) presents 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.

Register Early and Save! 

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 US that 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 

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

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

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Course on Regulatory Leadership in Food Law

 Neal Fortin enhances the course on Regulatory Leadership to add an emphasis on practical skills and knowledge. This course helps you hone your "craft" as a regulatory professional, and goes into detail about how to effectively present regulatory information, work with government officials, FDA enforcement, recalls, risk and crisis management, quality control/management, litigation strategies, and more. Read the course outline here. This course will be offered once/year in the fall semester.

Friday, March 29, 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 LansingMI  48824

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Tuesday, December 11, 2018

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


The course starts in January 2019.  More information is available at 

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