Law and food

In this unit, you will examine whether and how law can address the complex problems that arise across the food system, from production to consumption. You will critically analyse legal and policy issues in their broader social, cultural, economic and political contexts, and considers gaps and opportunities for law and policy reform to respond to food system problems. You will engage with often contested issues and evaluate the role of law in driving food systems change.

You will focus on different case studies of food systems problems and explore the legal issues they raise. Through these case studies, you will critically consider how the law currently operates to shape food systems, how well it addresses the various stakeholder concerns, values and perspectives at play, and the potential synergies and unintended consequences of different legal interventions.

Topics may include the regulation of food safety, pesticides, food labelling and food marketing, as well as contemporary and emerging challenges such as ultra-processed foods, new food technologies, the social and environmental impacts of agri-food supply chains, and corporate power in food systems.