Washington, DC, January 7, 2020 - For the third consecutive year, Chambers and Partners (Chambers) Asia-Pacific Guide has ranked Keller and Heckman’s Food and Drug Practice in the category of Life Sciences (International Firms) China. Additionally, David Ettinger, was again individually ranked in the same category. The rankings confirm the Shanghai office as a leader in Food and Drug Law and continues to solidify Keller and Heckman as an international firm.

Keller and Heckman’s Food and Drug practice provides clients with the expertise necessary to establish regulatory compliance for foods, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, tobacco, veterinary products, dietary supplements, and cosmetics, including packaging regulations for items within these industries – thereby assisting clients in bringing products to market. Differentiating the firm from many of its peers, Keller and Heckman utilizes an in-house scientific staff that works closely with the firm’s attorneys on matters of technical complexity, providing an unparalleled depth of expertise.

Keller and Heckman’s Shanghai office provides legislative and strategic analysis on regulations throughout Asia specifically in the areas of food, food packaging, drugs, dietary supplements, medical devices, pesticides, and industrial and specialty chemicals. The firm’s attorneys and scientists have strong relationships with government officials, industry associations, market research and financial firms, and other groups throughout Asia. When interviewed by Chambers, a Keller and Heckman client said:

"Their relationship with both the Chinese regulators and their U.S. presence was really helpful in terms of seeing what we were looking at from both sides."

Another client remarked that the firm is:

“very credible in their focus area," and went on to report that they offer a "great blend of international expertise and approach and local experience.”

David Ettinger, partner in the firm’s Food and Drug and Tobacco and E-Vapor practices, and chief representative in the firm’s Shanghai Office advises multinational companies on regulatory compliance and enforcement within Asian markets, as well as the U.S. and EU. When interviewed by Chambers a Keller and Heckman client said David Ettinger is:

"very solid," sought by clients for his insight in regulatory issues in the food and drink sector. He frequently assists clients with compliance and product review mandates and provides strategic advice concerning manufacture, import and distribution issues.

For over two decades, Chambers has highlighted the uppermost tiers of legal performance, relying on extensive client feedback in addition to robust independent research to determine its rankings. Both Practices and independent attorneys are ranked based on effectiveness, achievements, experience, and value delivered to clients.

About Keller and Heckman

Keller and Heckman has a broad practice in the areas of regulatory law, public policy, and litigation, serving both domestic and international clients. With offices in Washington, DC, Brussels, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Boulder, the firm helps the world's most vital businesses achieve their objectives.

Keller and Heckman’s 13th annual EU Food Packaging Law Seminar will be held in a new location in 2020: Düsseldorf, Germany. The seminar will take place March 25-26.

Hailed as, “the best food contact packaging legislation conference” and “[a] very concise and to the point wrap up of current and upcoming FCM [food-contact material] legislation,” by former attendees, Keller and Heckman’s Food Packaging Law Seminar is a must for anyone who wants to keep up-to-date on global food packaging laws and regulations.

Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of EU and U.S. food-contact legislation—including technical requirements for establishing compliance with EU requirements—to hot topics in those jurisdictions, such as Brexit, EU’s re-evaluation of FCMs legislation, and U.S. FDA’s work on revising food consumptions factors. Increased concern about impurities in food-contact materials over the last few years will be addressed in a session on approaches to conducting risk assessments on non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in the U.S. and the EU. Building on last year’s coverage of the impact of EU’s Circular Economy Package on FCMs, the seminar will also include a session on recycled materials and the EU Packaging Waste Legislation.

In the global arena, Keller and Heckman attorneys will explain how food-contact materials are regulated in Japan, China, South Korea, MERCOSUR countries, and India. In particular, attendees will learn how to prepare for Japan’s new positive list system for regulating FCMs and about work by China’s National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment to approve new and expanded use of food-contact substances.

Attendees at Keller and Heckman’s Food Packaging Law Seminar will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with Keller and Heckman’s internationally recognized food packaging attorneys and scientists. Registration for the seminar is currently open. More information on the seminar, including how to register, can be found here.

About Keller and Heckman

Keller and Heckman has a broad practice in the areas of regulatory law, public policy, and litigation, serving both domestic and international clients. With offices in Washington, DC, Brussels, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Boulder, the firm helps the world's most vital businesses achieve their objectives. A pioneer in the use of interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, Keller and Heckman has had an in-house scientific staff since 1971 that works closely with the firm's attorneys on matters of technical complexity.