ARTICLE ON NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES OF FOOD REGULATION: KEY CHALLENGES AND EMERGING CONCERNS

AUTHOR – SANJANA KHANJIRE, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF LAW, MIT WORLD PEACE UNIVERSITY, PUNE, BHARAT

BEST CITATION – SANJANA KHANJIRE, ARTICLE ON NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES OF FOOD REGULATION: KEY CHALLENGES AND EMERGING CONCERNS, ILE WEEKLY REVIEW (ILE WR), 1 (7) OF 2023, PG. 10-14, APIS – 3920 – 0037 | ISBN – 978-81-964391-3-2.

Abstract

Food law is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that regulates food products’ production, processing, distribution, and consumption to ensure their safety, quality, and fairness. As the global food system becomes increasingly complex, several emerging issues have arisen, posing new challenges for food regulators and policymakers. This abstract provides an overview of some key emerging issues in food law. One significant emerging issue is the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and novel foods. Genetically engineered crops and animals have become more prevalent with advancements in biotechnology. However, concerns regarding their potential impacts on human health, the environment, and traditional agricultural practices have necessitated the development of robust regulatory frameworks to ensure their safety and proper labeling. Another emerging issue is food fraud and adulteration. As global food supply chains grow more intricate, there is an increased risk of fraudulent practices, such as mislabeling, dilution, or substitution of ingredients. This issue requires enhanced regulatory measures, including improved traceability systems, increased surveillance, and stricter penalties for offenders, to safeguard consumer interests and maintain fair market competition. Lastly, the issue of sustainability and environmental impact on food production and consumption is gaining prominence. This includes concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and biodiversity loss associated with certain agricultural practices. Developing policies that promote sustainable food systems, reduce food waste, and encourage environmentally friendly practices are crucial to address these challenges. In conclusion, the field of food law is confronted with various emerging issues that demand proactive and adaptive regulatory responses. Effectively addressing the regulation of GMOs, combatting food fraud, ensuring food safety in international trade, regulating e-commerce, and promoting sustainability are key areas that require attention from policymakers, legal practitioners, and stakeholders in the food industry.

Keywords: Food Law, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), Food Fraud, Sustainability, Regulatory Frameworks.