---
esco_uri: http://data.europa.eu/esco/skill/713f1ba8-c7a8-43e5-a5cc-0b869474efe7
esco_label: "food legislation"
relation: optional
onet_soc: 23-1011.00
source: model-knowledge
confidence: high
qa_count: 0
generator: gemma3:27b (prompt-designed and spot-checked by Claude)
generated: 2026-07-10
---

# food legislation — Legal Counsel

As Legal Counsel in the food & feed industry, 'food legislation' isn’t about *knowing* all the regulations – it’s about applying them strategically to business realities. Daily work revolves around interpreting complex EU and national laws (like those concerning novel foods, contaminant limits, or packaging materials) to advise clients on product development, manufacturing processes, and marketing claims. Expect frequent tasks like reviewing labels for compliance, assessing risk related to ingredient sourcing (especially regarding allergens or GMOs), drafting responses to regulatory inquiries/inspections, and supporting due diligence during M&A activity involving food businesses. 

Your toolkit will extend beyond legal databases (EUR-Lex, national law gazettes). You’ll need access to EFSA opinions, guidance documents from competent authorities (like the FSA in the UK or FDA in the US if dealing with imports/exports), and industry standards. A key skill is translating these into practical advice – e.g., 'this ingredient *technically* meets the definition of a novel food, but launching it now carries significant reputational risk due to consumer perception'.  

A common pitfall is treating regulations as static. Food law constantly evolves (new scientific findings, trade agreements). Failing to track amendments or relying on outdated information can lead to costly recalls, fines, or blocked market access. Another is focusing solely on *legal* compliance without considering the broader commercial implications – a technically compliant product might be unmarketable if it’s perceived negatively by consumers. 

'Good' looks like proactively identifying legal risks before they materialize, providing clear and actionable advice that balances compliance with business objectives, and building strong relationships with regulatory bodies. It also means being able to quickly assess the impact of new legislation on your client’s operations and develop a strategy for adaptation – not just reacting *after* an issue arises.

## Weitere Anreicherung

Stage-2 source for future practitioner grounding: CORE / DOAB (open-access law monographs).
