OFW Law is pleased to announce the addition of two seasoned regulatory professionals to its growing food and agriculture practice: Jeff Canavan, who joins the firm as Senior Regulatory Advisor, and Jamie Woodside, who joins as an Associate Attorney. Together, they bring more than 40 years of combined government and industry experience in food safety, labeling, regulatory compliance, and policy development.
Jeff Canavan – Senior Regulatory Advisor
Jeff Canavan is a nationally recognized expert in meat, poultry, and egg product labeling, with more than 25 years of regulatory and policy experience at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). His extensive work includes major initiatives on food allergens, nutrition labeling, date labeling, labeling claims, and standards of identity. Jeff previously served as Deputy Director for food labeling policy at FSIS and represented the United States as the Alternate Delegate to the Codex Committee on Food Labeling.
“Jeff brings unparalleled regulatory experience and a nuanced understanding of USDA labeling policy that will directly benefit our clients in the food sector,” said John Dillard, Co‑Managing Principal and head of OFW Law’s USDA Practice Group. “His leadership at FSIS and long‑standing engagement with industry stakeholders make him a powerful addition to our team.”
“I’m happy to join OFW Law and continue supporting industry in navigating USDA’s complex and evolving regulatory landscape,” said Mr. Canavan. “The firm has an excellent reputation in the food regulatory space and I look forward to advising their clients.”
Jeff is a Registered Dietitian and Food Technologist and holds degrees from George Mason University and Radford University. Earlier in his career, he served as an Officer and Dietitian in the U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps.
Jamie Woodside – Associate Attorney
Jamie Woodside brings more than 20 years of scientific, regulatory, and legal expertise spanning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FSIS, and industry. Her work has included regulatory policy development, inspection and compliance oversight, recall management, import and export admissibility, HACCP and preventive controls implementation, and international food safety system equivalence reviews. She also served as FSIS lead on World Trade Organization matters.
At OFW Law, Jamie will advise clients on regulatory and compliance matters involving USDA and FDA, including inspection readiness, corrective action planning, recall preparedness and response, enforcement actions, and industry outreach.
“I am excited to use my extensive knowledge and expertise to provide clients practical solutions that bridge gaps between regulatory text and real-world operations,” said Ms. Woodside.
Jamie holds an LL.M. in Agricultural and Food Law from the University of Arkansas and a J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
A Strengthened Practice
“We are thrilled to welcome both Jeff and Jamie to the firm,” said Mason Weeda, Co-Managing Principal and FDA Food Practice Head. “Their deep regulatory knowledge, agency experience, and practical insight into food safety and labeling will significantly strengthen our ability to guide clients through an increasingly complex regulatory environment.”
