Overview
Food is a necessity. As consumers we expect that our food is safe and is as described.
This places a substantial onus on food business operators, from farm to fork, to understand and apply the complex rules applicable to their products or services.
It also requires a system of effective enforcement that is consistent, fair and proportionate.
Members of the Six Pump Food Law team are instructed by food business operators of all sizes from multi-nationals to SMEs and individuals. We are also instructed to assist and represent national authorities such as the Food Standards Agency and DEFRA, and also by local authorities.
Our barristers are very experienced in providing proactive regulatory advice to food businesses. This might involve assessing the compliance of a current product or service or advising on proposed changes to existing products or business operations. We can provide advice on matters such as borderline products and compositional, labelling or in-market requirements.
When a complaint is made or non-compliance is alleged, our team of expert barristers can provide strategic advice and guidance on how to proceed in a positive and effective way both before and after legal proceedings have been commenced.
We engage with clients in the early stages of an investigation to provide legal, practical, commercial and strategic advice and guidance. This might be in relation to a statutory appeal, judicial review or a criminal prosecution.
We work with our clients to minimise the reputational implications of being involved in legal proceedings or if a withdrawal or recall might be required.
Since the UK’s departure from the EU, our barristers have provided advice in respect of retained EU law and the changes to domestic law.
We provide domestic food law advice to non-UK based clients and members of our team work with lawyers and clients in Europe and globally.
As well as being legal specialists, our team never loses sight of the commercial and practical issues that apply in every situation.
Some of our food law barristers are members of the Food Law Group, the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology and other organisations involved in food law and practice.
We are available to receive instructions via the Bar’s Public Access Scheme, also known as Direct Access. This means that in certain circumstances we can receive instructions directly from a food business.
We regularly speak at food law events and present at seminars and webinars and individual members write material for food law publications.
Testimonials
"Six Pump Court is a 'very helpful and efficient' set with a broad spectrum of cases across the consumer law field. The 'really smart barristers' are particularly sought after for their 'prominence in health and safety' and food law, and their 'in-depth knowledge' of the corresponding regulation. "
― LEGAL 500 [2022] - LEADING SET (CONSUMER LAW)
"The ‘phenomenal set’ at Six Pump Court exudes ‘charm, discretion, and confidence’ whilst representing clients involved in health and safety matters, aiding with food and environmental issues."
― LEGAL 500 [2022] - LEADING SET (CONSUMER LAW)
"Six Pump Court has broad bench strength when it comes to consumer law, and is well respected for its work in cases concerning food and trade regulations, as well as consumer credit. Its tenants regularly handle civil and criminal matters for local authorities, trade bodies, farms and retailers."
― CHAMBERS UK BAR GUIDE [2021] - LEADING SET (CONSUMER LAW)