Food Law
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the basis for the acquisition of the fundamental Italian and European legislation relating to the agri-food sector with a broad examination of the repressive and preventive legislation, as well as the transposition of the main Directives into European Regulations and the most significant violations of criminal law.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will have acquired the methodology for research into food law sources and will be able to use this methodology in the context of official food inspections, in drawing up the operational manuals for the HACCP system and in all systems to reduce the most serious and less serious non-compliance, both in the collective catering sector and in the food business companies.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course program covers the following topics:
Sources of food legislation, the right to food, from the Constitution to European legislation, and finally to the Codex Alimentarius.
Food quality assessment: from a repressive regulatory system to a preventative one. The evolution of the concept of food legislation from a mere instrument for punishing violations to a tool for assisting industry operators in pursuing food quality and safety and protecting consumers. Self-monitoring and the "hygiene package."
Food control systems. The HACCP system and its principles, ISO standards, mandatory controls, and the oversight of official bodies, with a broad discussion of inspection methods in the food sector, including the issuance of regulations.
Food-related crimes under the Criminal Code.
Sources of food legislation, the right to food, from the Constitution to European legislation, and finally to the Codex Alimentarius.
Food quality assessment: from a repressive regulatory system to a preventative one. The evolution of the concept of food legislation from a mere instrument for punishing violations to a tool for assisting industry operators in pursuing food quality and safety and protecting consumers. Self-monitoring and the "hygiene package."
Food control systems. The HACCP system and its principles, ISO standards, mandatory controls, and the oversight of official bodies, with a broad discussion of inspection methods in the food sector, including the issuance of regulations.
Food-related crimes under the Criminal Code.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required
Teaching methods
Frontal teaching
Teaching Resources
Andrea Vitale. Manuale di legislazione alimentare, sixth edition, published by Franco Angeli Editore.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The achievement of the expected learning outcomes will be assessed through an oral and/or written exam.
Knowledge of the main and fundamental Italian and European regulations governing the agri-food sector will be assessed, as well as the student's methodological ability to research these regulations for practical application.
Exam dates and registration deadlines are announced through the University application (UNIMIA).
Students with learning disabilities (LD) and disabilities are asked to contact the professor by email at least 10 days before the scheduled exam date to arrange any individualized measures.
The email addressed to the professor, has to be sended in C.C. to the following University Services: [email protected] (for students with learning disabilities) and [email protected] (for students with disabilities).
Knowledge of the main and fundamental Italian and European regulations governing the agri-food sector will be assessed, as well as the student's methodological ability to research these regulations for practical application.
Exam dates and registration deadlines are announced through the University application (UNIMIA).
Students with learning disabilities (LD) and disabilities are asked to contact the professor by email at least 10 days before the scheduled exam date to arrange any individualized measures.
The email addressed to the professor, has to be sended in C.C. to the following University Services: [email protected] (for students with learning disabilities) and [email protected] (for students with disabilities).
Professor(s)