Whole Foods - Food Regulatory Counsel

Austin, TX

Description:

• Whole Foods Market is looking for an attorney with a background in food regulation and compliance matters. The ideal candidate will be sensitive to the company’s business needs while at the same time providing clear and meaningful legal advice. The candidate will have strong written and verbal communication skills and will enjoy working in a collaborative manner to achieve company goals. They will be someone who is a self-starter and can function independently while at the same time making sure to include relevant stakeholders in discussions and communications. They will enjoy a fast-paced environment that is highly variable.
• We seek to hire people who embrace our mission. In this role you would serve as an internal resource to Whole Foods Market team members including members of its Merchandising, Quality Assurance and Operations Teams and other members of the Legal Team to address federal, state and local regulatory compliance matters and to help monitor for compliance with Whole Foods Market Quality Standards.

Duties:

• Monitoring and providing guidance (including drafting guidance documents) on current regulations, regulatory developments and enforcement trends impacting the food, beverages, dietary supplements, cosmetics, Over-the-Counter drugs, and medical devices.
• Offering guidance with respect to product labeling, including but not limited to label declarations, allergens, usage information, claims and warnings
• Reviewing labels of products (current and proposed) to identify potential compliance issues with regulations and Whole Foods Market Quality Standards
• Working with Whole Foods Market team members, suppliers and consultants to ensure adequate substantiation of label claims
• Advising on compliance matters and best practices relating to Over-the-Counter drugs and medical devices
• Providing guidance on new product formulations to assist with the identification and evaluation of risk and compliance matters
• Assisting with responses to regulatory agency inspections, investigations and enforcement activities related to products including communicating with the FDA, USDA and other federal, state and local regulatory and enforcement authorities
• Researching new market trends identified by the business teams including attending industry meetings and seminars to develop in-house expertise
• Working with other members of the Legal Team to provide guidance on matters relating to product promotions and advertising
• Developing and providing training sessions for Whole Foods Market team members

Requirements:

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school with a minimum of 4 years of practice;
• A food law background, including expertise in the interpretation and application of FDA and USDA regulations, standards compliance guidance.   Familiarity with the provisions of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act will be a plus.

For more information, click here.