28th September, 2018 Opening of the tird edition of the LL.M. in Food Law, a.y. 2018/2019

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The Programme is composed of nine modules, as described below:

1. INTERNATIONAL TRADE RULES AND THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR

The first module addresses legal foundations of the multilevel-system governing the food sector at the international level. The lectures unveil how WTO law shapes and constrains EU Food Law and how national measures are still used to promote the increase of production by means of subsidies and restrictions on market access.

2. FOOD SAFETY

The second module focuses on the rules governing food chain safety, namely its hygiene and health security, nutritional, hygienic and toxicological characteristics. Students also learn about the mechanisms set up at the EU level to guarantee food safety and management of emergency situations.

3. FOOD QUALITY

The third module provides students with a comprehensive overview of the rules governing the protected geographical indications of origin, brands, private collective marks and signs of quality. The particular discipline of the trade of wine and spirits, the sensorial analysis of food and the important issue of the “Made in” market complete this section.

4. FOOD ADVERTISING AND LABELLING

This module addresses the regulation of information that consumers may find on food products and advertising campaigns set up at EU and national level.

5. FOOD SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENT

Module five provides a comprehensive overview of the strict relationship between food and environment while analysing major problems related to food security, namely the availability, the access and the use of food products.

6. AGRIFOODSTUFF MARKET

This module deals with the rules governing the agri-foodstuffs market. In particular, students engage in the analysis of regulations on competition and State aids, the European food market system and the role of relevant authorities on fair competition. Also, particular attention is given to food trade in the international market and to the role of specific financial institutions and instruments for the agri-food market.

7. CONTRACTS

In this module, students look at the role of international and national trade associations, the discipline of network contracts and transaction contracts in the agri-food system, as well as the laws governing consumers protection in contractual processes and various organizational systems in the food supply chain.

8. RESPONSIBILITY AND FRAUD

The eight module focuses on legal responsibility of the actors involved in the food chain, namely producers, distributors and importers. Particular emphasis is given to unfair trade practices, frauds, the role of consumers’ associations, the regulation of civil and criminal responsibility and class action law.

9. FOOD COMPANIES ON A GLOBAL SCALE

The last module is dedicated to the challenges a food company faces when expanding its market and the legal assistance necessary to support them. In particular, students learn about the applicable fiscal and tax legislative regimes, customs arrangements, the rules governing e-commerce and distance selling.