As a very experienced food lawyer, Ian provides regulatory and compliance advice and represents clients in courts and tribunals in relation to a wide range of food law matters including; food safety and hygiene, animal welfare (including at the time of killing), food information, health and nutrition claims, food supplements, borderline products (e.g. food/cosmetics/medicinal products), traceability, product withdrawals and recalls, official controls and enforcement powers.
Courts and Tribunals
Defended a multi-national fast-food business in a food hygiene prosecution involving the presence of rodent activity and food supplied to a consumer.
Defended a SME food business in a food hygiene prosecution, including legal argument on time limits and judicial review proceedings.
Defended a specialist food business in a prosecution for placing unsafe food on the market (food containing undeclared milk supplied to primary schools).
Advised a food business in connection with a criminal investigation into placing unsafe food on the market (undeclared milk). Assisted the business make representations to the prosecuting authority. No prosecution was commenced.
Defending a SME food business in a food hygiene prosecution. Legal arguments regarding identity of the food business operator and due diligence (trial pending).
Defending a food business operator in a food hygiene prosecution (case ongoing).
Representing a slaughterhouse appealing against the service of a Welfare Enforcement Notice under the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Slaughter Regulations (hearings in the First-tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal)
Advising
A local authority on a possible food recall.
A director in respect of an alleged large-scale fraud involving the mislabelling of meat. No prosecution was commenced.
On nutrition and health claims, particularly in the context of advising on the legal and regulatory requirements for food supplements.
A charity in relation to a food allergen issue where an employee suffered an anaphylactic reaction and was hospitalised.
With regard to the detention of imported product due to alleged non-compliance with food of animal origin legislation.
A food service provider in respect of food safety management systems, allergens and Primary Authority.
In connection with a recall of a liqueur containing undeclared milk.
About the safety of vacuum-packed product, the presence of C. Botulinum and obligations to recall the product.
In connection with using the description ‘natural’ on pack (including the application of the ASA Codes).
An EU food business on its UK (GB) labelling obligations in respect of ‘ready to eat’ foodstuffs including health and environmental claims.
A multi-national food business in respect of the claim ‘suitable for vegetarians’.
An EU food business on various aspects of the Bread and Flour Regulations.
An EU food business in respect of the labelling and composition of food supplements and nutrition and health claims.
On the appropriate food business operator in the context of a criminal investigation.
In respect of enforcement action against a local authority operated food business.
