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Food Regulatory Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobot

Food & Agribusiness Attorney

Wyomissing, PA · Hybrid

$150K - $220K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with a strong interest in the food and ... Compensation will depend on seniority, relevant industry experience, regulatory background ...

Alaska Department of Law

$200 - $250/hr

C. office of FBT Gibbons is seeking a Healthcare Regulatory/Compliance Attorney. FBT Gibbons LLP is ... S. Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Food ...

System Soft Technologies

Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$10K/mo

Applicants with prior experience in federal or state administrative/regulatory law, regulated ... Portland offers an ideal combination of diverse culture and food in the city and easy access to ...

Five Below

Sr. Counsel

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$133K - $181K/yr

Five Below is seeking a Regulatory and Compliance Attorney to build, implement, and oversee a ... the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as well as ...

City of New York

AGENCY ATTORNEY

Manhattan, NY · On-site

... such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and ... and regulations to support legal opinion in advance of court appearance. Fair Hearing ...

Five Below

Sr. Counsel

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$133K - $181K/yr

Five Below is seeking a Regulatory and Compliance Attorney to build, implement, and oversee a ... the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as well as ...

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Food Regulatory Attorney information

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$69K

$137.4K

$199K

How much do food regulatory attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for food regulatory attorney in the United States is $137,408.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $166,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Food Regulatory Attorney do?

A Food Regulatory Attorney specializes in advising and representing food companies on legal issues related to food safety, labeling, advertising, and compliance with government regulations. They help clients navigate complex laws enforced by agencies like the FDA and USDA, ensuring products meet all legal standards before reaching the market. Their work includes drafting and reviewing labels, responding to regulatory actions, and assisting with recalls or inspections. Food Regulatory Attorneys also stay updated on changes to food laws and policies to help businesses remain compliant.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Regulatory Attorney?

To thrive as a Food Regulatory Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the bar, and expertise in food law, FDA regulations, and compliance issues. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis) and regulatory submission systems is critical. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and persuasive communication help in interpreting complex regulations and advising clients effectively. These skills ensure that food businesses remain compliant, mitigate legal risks, and successfully navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

What are some typical challenges faced by Food Regulatory Attorneys when working with clients in the food industry?

Food Regulatory Attorneys often navigate complex and evolving regulations from agencies such as the FDA and USDA. A common challenge is staying up to date with frequent changes in food labeling, safety, and import/export requirements, which can vary by region and product type. Additionally, these attorneys must balance regulatory compliance with clients' business goals, often collaborating with R&D, marketing, and quality assurance teams to ensure that products meet legal standards while remaining competitive in the market. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential for addressing these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Food Regulatory Attorney vs Food Safety Specialist?

AspectFood Regulatory AttorneyFood Safety Specialist
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, specialized food law certificationsFood safety certifications (e.g., ServSafe), relevant degrees in food science or public health
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesFood manufacturing facilities, quality assurance labs, regulatory agencies
Employer & IndustryFood companies, law firms, regulatory bodiesFood production, retail, food service industries
Search & Comparison IntentLegal compliance, food law regulations, legal adviceFood safety protocols, compliance, quality control

The main difference is that a Food Regulatory Attorney focuses on legal compliance and advising clients on food laws, while a Food Safety Specialist concentrates on implementing safety protocols and ensuring products meet health standards. Both roles are essential in the food industry but serve different functions related to regulation and safety.

More about Food Regulatory Attorney jobs

What cities are hiring for Food Regulatory Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Food Regulatory Attorney job openings:

What states have the most Food Regulatory Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Regulatory Attorney jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Food Regulatory Attorney jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Regulatory Attorney jobs are:

Food Regulatory Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Regulatory Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,408 per year, or $66.1 per hour.

Senior Counsel, Food Law and Regulatory Compliance

Lactalis

Chicago, IL • On-site

$165K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Lactalis USA rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 445 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.
At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.
As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.
In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.
At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.
Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.
From your PASSION to ours
The Senior Counsel, Food Law and Regulatory Compliance reports to the VP General Counsel, Cheese Divisions and serves as the primary legal advisor on food law, regulatory compliance, labeling, advertising, product claims, and related regulatory matters for the Cheese Divisions. This attorney partners closely with Regulatory, Quality, R&D, Marketing, Commercial, Industrial, Procurement and Sustainability teams to identify legal and regulatory risks, develop practical business solutions, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and international food laws and regulations. The position requires an attorney with strong business judgment, capable of working in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment. This attorney will be called upon to lead complex cross-functional initiatives, drive compliance strategies, and develop practical, risk-based solutions that advance business objectives while protecting the Company.
From your STORY to ours
Food Law and Regulatory Compliance
  • Serve as a legal advisor on FDA, USDA, FTC, state consumer protection, food labeling, and food advertising requirements, monitoring developments in food law and emerging regulatory trends.
  • Review product labels and packaging to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and international food laws, including nutrition facts, ingredient declarations, standards of identity, allergen labeling, and net quantity statements.
  • Advise business teams on claims substantiation for product and marketing claims, including nutrient content claims, health claims, structure/function claims, and comparative claims.
  • Review advertising campaigns, digital marketing materials, promotional materials, and other consumer-facing communications to advise brand teams on regulatory and litigation risk. Participate in innovation and brand strategy meetings to understand future initiatives and provide proactive legal and regulatory counsel, supporting product development, marketing initiatives, and growth objectives.

Regulatory Enforcement and Litigation Risk Management
  • Support regulatory enforcement matters, investigations, and litigation risk management, including interactions with FDA, USDA, FTC, and state regulatory agencies, and work with outside counsel and senior management to develop and implement cost-effective response strategies.
  • Support the Company's responses to warning letters, requests for information, inspections, inquiries, and enforcement actions from regulatory agencies.
  • Advise the General Counsel, Cheese Divisions and internal stakeholders on key legal and regulatory developments, and risk mitigation strategies.

Cross-Functional Partnership and Business Support
  • Support legal oversight of complex cross-functional projects with Regulatory, Quality, R&D, Marketing, Commercial, Industrial, Procurement, and Sustainability teams to identify legal and regulatory risks and develop practical business solutions.
  • Provide strategic advisory support on product innovation, new product launches, product reformulations, acquisitions, commercial growth initiatives, and other key business priorities.
  • Provide legal guidance to Quality, Regulatory, Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, Commercial, and other cross-functional business teams on product, packaging, labeling, quality, and regulatory matters, including risk assessment and decision-making related to withdrawals, recalls, market actions, customer notifications, and other corrective actions.
  • Develop and deliver trainings on food law, labeling, advertising, regulatory developments, and compliance requirements to cross-functional business teams.

CSR and Emerging Regulatory Issues
  • Provide strategic legal counsel on sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
  • Advise on laws and regulations relating to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), packaging compliance, recyclability and environmental marketing claims, and product stewardship obligations.

Other Responsibilities
  • Work on other projects as may be assigned from time to time.

Requirements
From your EXPERTISE to ours
Education:
  • Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. At least one bar admission.

Experience:
  • 6 to 8 years' experience with a national law firm and/or in-house legal department. Significant experience in food law, FDA regulation, consumer products regulation, advertising law, or a related practice area. Experience advising consumer packaged goods, food, beverage, dairy, or other regulated industries strongly preferred.

Skills/Abilities :
  • Shows initiative and the ability to work independently and exercise good judgment in a complex business environment.
  • Takes active ownership of areas of responsibility. A self-motivated strong teammate with the ability to identify and get out ahead of problems.
  • Demonstrates strategic ability.
  • Anticipates legal issues and estimates legal risks.
  • Develops creative, proactive, and practical solutions to mitigate legal risks in support of the business.
  • Models high ethics and integrity.
  • Possesses an eagerness and ability to understand the business.
  • Possesses excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication (verbal and written), relationship management, and internal client service skills.
  • Acute attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects at a given time.
  • Demonstrates excellent negotiation skills.
  • Operates well in multi-functional teams and a fast-paced environment.
  • Is committed to continuous improvement, company mission and values, training, and continued education on changing laws and regulations.
  • Creates processes and procedures that effectively mitigate legal and regulatory risk.
  • Is a quick and flexible learner: intellectually curious, open-minded, adaptable, comfortable with ambiguity and risk, and excited by dynamic change.
  • Can make sound, complex cost/benefit assessments.
  • Inspires trust, forges relationships quickly, builds consensus and earns the confidence and cooperation of divisional business partners.
  • Demonstrates strong executive presence and stakeholder management skills, with ability to effectively communicate complex regulatory concepts to non-lawyers.
  • Possesses deep knowledge of food law and regulatory requirements, with ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.
Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.
Salary Description
150,000 - $165,000

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