Law Firm Eric F. Greenberg P.C. Attorneys Chicago, Illinois Lawyers

312-977-4647

Generally recognized as controversial

Eric F. Greenberg | Attorney-at-Law

General recognition of safety is a bedrock concept underlying food safety and regulation. But it’s widely misunderstood. Lately, organizations in and out of government have expressed discomfort because the law is set up to allow companies to use substances in food on the basis of an independent determination that the use is both safe and generally recognized as such, without having to get FDA approval or even let them know.

The record of GRAS substances, though, appears to be largely safe, so it’s not clear any new procedures or laws are warranted. Those who call for more action appear to be surprised to learn that companies, not regulators, always bear the primary responsibility to assure that what they put into food is safe.

GRAS, or Generally Recognized As Safe, is the highest status a use of a substance in food can achieve, reflecting not only that it’s safe when used that way, but that its safety is publicly known and not particularly controversial, that is, that the safety of the use is “generally recognized” by relevant scientists.

Eric F. Greenberg, P.C.

Suite 3500
70 W. Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60602-4224

Phone: 312-977-4647
Fax: 312-977-4405
e-mail: greenberg@efg-law.com

See Eric Greenberg's article summarizing the FSMA in the American Bar Association's Antitrust Section's

"Agriculture and Food Committee e-Bulletin,"

Winter 2012, page 19. Click here.

We represent business clients at every level of the food and drug development, production, distribution, and packaging industries. Our Chicago, Illinois-based lawyers have extensive experience advising and representing food and drug producers, cosmetics and medical device manufacturers, and packaging manufacturers, converters and designers nationwide on issues involving:

FDA Requirements
Food Contact Notifications; GRAS Notices and Analyses
USDA Requirements
Labeling Requirements
Defense Against Allegations of FDA Violations
Preparation For Government Inspections

Our attorneys regularly provide advice and guidance on compliance with FDA regulations, including developing plans for compliance, implementation of compliance strategies, evaluation of current plans, and identification of weaknesses in current processes. We work closely with you to help you achieve complete adherence to rules and regulations.

We have considerable experience in analyzing and evaluating products and components to determine applicability of FDA jurisdiction, and successfully guiding companies through the FDA approval process, and in defending companies accused of regulatory violations.

Whether you seek to get FDA approval for your product, insure compliance with FDA regulations, or you are facing allegations of FDA violations, our team will work for you.

As experienced litigators with a thriving commercial litigation practice, we provide aggressive, effective representation in matters involving a broad range of commercial disputes.

Our firm is a proud member of the International Network of Boutique Law Firms, a select organization with members throughout the United States and the world.

International Network of Boutique Law Firms (INBLF)

Visit our Firm Overview and Practice Areas sections to learn more about us or contact us to speak with an experienced lawyer about how your company can benefit from our services.

Eric Greenberg Publishes Guide To Packaging Law, 2d Edition

We are located in Chicago, Illinois and we represent clients nationwide.