Institute for Food Laws and Regulations

Online Education in Food Laws and Regulations

The Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR) at Michigan State University offers food law courses taught online by an international network of food science, academic, and legal professionals, who understand the complex nature of food laws and how they impact the flow of food and agricultural products across national boundaries.

Our graduate-level courses are fully accredited and are designed for food industry professionals and regulators. Students may take as few or as many courses as they desire. Students may earn a "Certificate in International Food Law" or "Certificate in United States Food Law" after completing twelve qualifying credits (usually four courses).

Enrollment is fast and easy through MSU Lifelong Education. MSU’s Lifelong Education Program requires no application fee, no college transcripts, and no entrance exam.

A typical course will detail the food regulation practices of a specific subject area such as Codex Alimentarius, or provide a detailed examination of the food laws and regulatory practices of a specific country or region such as the United States, European Union, Latin America, Canada, or Asia.

Students may also work toward an online Master of Laws (LL.M.) or a Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) degree in Global Food Law, or an online master's degree in food safety.

News

P. Vincent Hegarty discusses regulation of food contact substances

Published on February 21, 2019
Dr. P. Vincent Hegarty says MSU is uniquely positioned to offer multi-disciplinary solutions to problems in regulating food contact substances. Prof. Hegarty spoke at MSU's School of Packaging on February 5, 2019.
New course in food contact substances and packaging law is open for enrollment

Published on December 4, 2018
A new graduate course in "Global Regulation of Food Contact Substances/Packaging" will be offered online with MSU's Institute for Food Laws and Regulations, starting January 2019.
Recent study asserts some foods contain undeclared allergens without precautionary allergen labeling

Published on October 5, 2018
IFLR's Kris DeAngelo's take on a recent study that asserts some foods contain undeclared allergens without precautionary labeling,
FDA’s New Policy on Release of Retailer Lists During Food Recalls

Published on September 28, 2018
The FDA announced a new policy providing for the release of lists of retailers that may have received a food subject to a recall.
To label or not...: Navigating current laws & initiatives on GMO labeling

Published on August 15, 2018
Often times, the line between useful, accurate scientific information and marketing is blurred when it comes to food labels, making them confusing for consumers. GMOs are no exception to this.