FDA Compliance Lawyers for Food Manufacturing Companies
Food manufacturers, processors, and distributors face mounting FDA and USDA regulatory pressure. OFW Law’s Washington DC attorneys include former agency officials with 40+ years resolving compliance issues, enforcement actions, and recalls.
Food manufacturers, processors, and distributors face mounting regulatory pressure from FDA and USDA enforcement initiatives. OFW Law’s Washington DC attorneys include former agency officials with over 40 years of experience resolving compliance issues, defending against enforcement actions, and managing recalls while keeping your products in commerce and protecting your brand reputation.
Our Food Safety Legal Services
FDA Compliance & Enforcement Defense
Navigate FDA regulations including FSMA preventive controls, facility registration, and cGMP requirements. We respond to Form 483 observations, warning letters, and import alerts while keeping your operations running.USDA-FSIS Regulatory Representation
Represent meat, poultry, and egg product establishments in HACCP plan development, label approvals, NOIN/NOS defense, and administrative hearings before USDA judicial officers.Food Labeling Compliance
Review and defend FDA and USDA-regulated product labels, including nutrition facts panels, ingredient statements, health claims, and marketing representations that comply with federal standards.Food Recall Management
Provide 24/7 crisis response for potential recall situations, managing agency coordination, recall classification, effectiveness checks, and corrective action implementation.Import & Export Compliance
Guide food importers through Prior Notice requirements, FSVP implementation, import detention response, and export certificate applications for FDA and USDA-regulated products.Litigation & Class Action Defense
Defend food companies in consumer class actions, regulatory enforcement litigation, product liability claims, and commercial disputes in federal and state courts nationwide.Industry Recognition/Awards
40+ Years FDA & USDA Experience
Washington DC-based practice since 1980.
Best Lawyers® Recognition
Multiple OFW Law attorneys recognized in food and drug law.
Former Agency Officials
Team includes former FDA and USDA regulatory counsel.
Nationwide Food Industry Representation
Clients from emerging businesses to Fortune 500 companies.
Regulatory Agencies We Work With
Our food safety attorneys work directly with regulatory officials to resolve compliance issues, defend enforcement actions, and advocate for sensible food policy.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)
- Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA)
- Office of Compliance
- Import Operations
We handle: Form 483 responses, warning letters, import alerts, consent decrees, GRAS notifications, food additive petitions
USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS)
- District Offices
- Office of Field Operations (OFO)
- Labeling and Program Delivery Division
- Recall Management Staff
We handle: NOIN/NOS defense, HACCP plan approval, label applications, regulatory control actions, administrative hearings
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Office of Trade
- Import Specialists
- Prior Notice Center
- Customs Brokers
We handle: Import detentions, tariff classifications, country of origin issues, prior notice submissions
Other Federal Agencies
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
- Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
We handle: Advertising compliance, organic certification, criminal defense, SNAP authorization
Why Choose OFW Law
40+ Years FDA & USDA Experience
Our attorneys include former FDA and USDA officials who understand agency decision-making, enforcement priorities, and negotiation strategies from the inside.Washington DC Location
Direct access to FDA headquarters, USDA-FSIS offices, and congressional staff enables faster resolution of regulatory issues and more effective advocacy.24/7 Emergency Response
Food safety crises don’t wait for business hours. We provide immediate response to recalls, enforcement actions, and urgent regulatory matters.Food Industry Focus
We represent only food, agriculture, and related industries. This specialization means we understand your operations, supply chains, and competitive pressures.Meet Our Team
Managing Principal, FDA Food Practice Head and Digital Health Practice
Faqs About Food Safety Attorney
What does a food safety attorney do for manufacturers?
Food safety attorneys help manufacturers comply with FDA and USDA regulations, respond to inspections and enforcement actions, and defend against product liability claims. They review labels, develop compliance programs, and represent companies in regulatory proceedings.
When should I hire an FDA lawyer for my food business?
Hire an FDA lawyer when launching new products, responding to warning letters or 483 observations, facing import detentions, planning facility expansions, or managing product recalls. Early legal involvement prevents compliance problems that trigger enforcement.
How do USDA and FDA regulations differ for food companies?
USDA-FSIS regulates meat, poultry, and egg products with mandatory inspection requirements. FDA regulates all other foods through facility registration, preventive controls, and risk-based inspections. Some facilities handle both product types and must comply with both agencies.
What happens if I receive an FDA warning letter?
FDA warning letters require written response within 15 business days explaining corrective actions. Failure to respond adequately can trigger product seizures, injunctions, or facility inspections. Legal counsel helps prepare responses that satisfy agency expectations and resolve violations.
Can I handle FDA compliance without a lawyer?
Companies can manage routine FDA compliance internally, but complex matters benefit from legal expertise. Legal counsel provides value during inspections, enforcement actions, label reviews, ingredient approvals, and regulatory petitions where mistakes create significant consequences.
FOCUS AREAS
- Animal Feed and Pet Food
- APHIS Animal Health
- Cannabis
- Checkoff Programs
- Customs and Related Import/Export Requirements
- Dietary Guidelines
- Dietary Supplements
- Domestic Food Assistance Programs
- Due Diligence
- Enforcement and Litigation
- FDA Food Law and Food Safety
- Food Labeling and Advertisement
- Food Recalls
- Food Service, Restaurants & Retailers
- Facility Registration
- Inspections
- International Food Security
- USDA FSIS - Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products
- National Organic Program
- Packers and Stockyards Act
- PACA
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Trade Associations
- CBP Enforcement