Rachida Semail counsels clients on the regulatory status of food packaging and food-related matters in the European Union (EU), Member States, and jurisdictions around the globe.

Rachida helps clients navigate the complexities of establishing a suitable EU status for food packaging articles and materials, including helping them apply the principle of mutual recognition to enable the free movement of non-harmonized food-contact materials throughout Europe. She also advises clients on EU requirements for biocides, active and intelligent packaging, packaging waste, and single-use plastics and recycling matters. In addition, Rachida assists clients with respect to materials intended for contact with drinking water and packaging issues related to cosmetics, drugs, and medical devices.

Rachida regularly advises multinational clients active in the Gulf region, including the UAE, on aligning with EU standards and navigating the regulatory landscape for exporting compliant food-contact materials and products to the EU. A significant part of her work involves petitioning the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and engaging Member State authorities, such as the German BfR and the Dutch authorities.

In the area of food law, Rachida advises clients on labeling and advertising compliance, substantiation of claims, product recalls, borderline products, novel foods, and other matters. Rachida has extensive knowledge on the textiles and machinery directives, as well as on tobacco products.

Prior to joining Keller and Heckman, Rachida practiced regulatory law at a French law firm specializing in EU and French food law, which allowed her to gain experience on enforcement of EU and French law. During her doctorate studies, she completed an internship with the legal service of the European Commission in Brussels, where she gained a first-hand perspective of policymaking and the legislative process. 

Representative Matters

• Advised clients on developing new, innovative, and more sustainable products to replace single-use plastics in compliance with the evolving EU regulatory framework
• Provided guidance on the impact of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) on their businesses
• Determined the regulatory status of innovative products, including nanomaterials, and advised on the appropriate path for lawful marketing
• Strategized the compliance approach in non-harmonized sectors and obtained clearances where needed for new food contact substances before national agencies, such as the German Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR) and the Dutch G4 Commission
• Prepared petitions for food contact substances to EFSA, including active materials and recycling processes
• Advised on regulatory aspects of chemical recycling and other novel recycling technologies
• Assisted clients in the compilation of information needed to support the compliance of the packaging used for cosmetics to be included in the product information file
• Reviewed supplier agreements for packaging materials intended for use in medicinal products
• Advised on compliance with the European Pharmacopoeia monographs
• Advised on the implications on clients’ businesses with the rules laid down by the Medical Devices Regulation
• Advised business operators on reporting obligations to enforcement authorities or downstream users, in the event of compliance issues, such as migration limits being exceeded
• Advised clients, including trade associations, notably in the context of the reevaluation of the food contact legislation
• Advised clients on the applicable requirements on food processing aids around the world and in obtaining the regulatory clearances where required 

Awards

• Chambers Europe: Regulatory: Agro/Food, Spotlight Recipient – Europe-Wide, 2022 - 2025