Farming for Food Law: Locating Food Law Resources in Honor of World Food Day

Sunday, October 16^th was World Food Day. Created to commemorate the founding of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization in 1945, World Food Day is celebrated across 150 countries. In honor of World Food Day, this post is dedicated to learning more about food law and locating food law resources in the United States and worldwide.

Food law is the broad collection of laws and regulations dedicated to food and beverages. Food law can range from the laws and regulations around food production, distribution, and consumption to intellectual property rights and food policy. In the United States, food is heavily regulated at both the federal and state level and there are a tremendous number of resources available to learn more about food law at all levels.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – World Food Day 2022

The theme for World Food Day 2022 is “Leave NO ONE behind” and the Food and Agriculture Organization is celebrating with information and activities everyone can do to be involved throughout the year. Watch videos, learn more, and get involved through the FAO’s website.

Food Law Research Guides

Numerous law libraries have put together guides on food law and the specialized topics related to food law, including food security, food advertising, international food law, and ethics. Here are a few to get started on researching food law:

• Food and Nutrition through the 21st Century – UNC Health Sciences Library
• Agriculture in North Carolina – State Library of North Carolina
• Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law Research Guide – Georgetown Law Library
• Food Law and Policy – UCLA Hugh & Hazel Darling Law Library
• International Food Law and Regulations – MSU Libraries

Food Law Books

The Law Library also has plenty of books specifically geared towards food law, including:

• Food Law: A Practical Guide (2021)
• Food Law: Policy & Ethics (2001)
• International Food Law: How Food Law Can Balance Health, Environment, and Animal Welfare (2021)
• Food Law in the United States (2016)
• Law and Food: Regulatory Recipes of Culinary Issues (2021)

Food Law Blogs

Law blogs are also a great way to know what’s happening in food law today. Here are a few blogs to help stay connected with the latest happenings in food law:

• The National Agricultural Law Center: The Ag & Food Law Update
• Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C. – FDA Law Blog
• UCLA School of Law Resnick Center for Food Law & Policy – On Food Law
• Hogan Lovells – Food Law