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Food and Drug Law

What must be on a food label in Georgia?

Mandatory info includes: name, ingredients (highlighting allergens), net quantity, expiration date, manufacturer details, nutritional value, and storage conditions in Georgian language.

Is HACCP mandatory for restaurants?

Yes, implementing HACCP principles is mandatory for all catering establishments to ensure food safety standards.

Can I sell imported supplements without registration?

No, dietary supplements usually require notification or registration with the Ministry of Health before they can be legally sold on the market.

What is the fine for mislabeling food?

Fines vary depending on the violation severity and business size, typically starting from 400-500 GEL, plus the requirement to relabel or withdraw the product.

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Food and Drug Law: Regulations for Production, Distribution, and Labeling

Food and Drug Law in Georgia covers two vital areas directly related to public health and consumer safety. The food sector is governed by strict regulations from the National Food Agency (NFA) concerning production, processing, import, and distribution. The drug sector falls under the Agency for Regulation of Medical and Pharmaceutical Activities, which controls medication registration, import, and sales. Business operators must adhere to new labeling standards, implement HACCP systems, follow GMP/GDP standards, and ensure traceability. Violations lead to substantial fines, product recalls, and reputational damage. Lawyer assistance is essential for businesses to strictly comply with complex and constantly changing legislative requirements.

What Does This Service Cover?

Specialists on Legal.ge offer comprehensive legal services for the food and pharmaceutical industries:

  • Labeling Audit: Checking food and drug labels, instructions, and advertising materials for compliance with legislation (e.g., allergen indication, nutritional value).
  • Food Safety: Legal support for HACCP system implementation and preparation for NFA inspections.
  • Drug Registration: Managing the state registration process for pharmaceutical products (national or recognition regime) and preparing dossiers.
  • Import Permits: Obtaining necessary permits, veterinary, and phytosanitary certificates for food and drug imports.
  • Biologically Active Supplements (BAA): Legal regulation of dietary supplement registration and market placement.
  • Representation: Defending interests with regulatory bodies (NFA, Ministry of Health) in case of disputes or fines.

Common Situations When You Need a Lawyer

Lawyer involvement is often critical in this field:

  • Labeling Violation: The NFA fined a company due to the absence or error of Georgian translation on food labels.
  • Expired Products: Expired products were found in a supermarket chain, leading to mass fines and product removal.
  • Registration Refusal: The Ministry refused to register a new drug or supplement due to documentation flaws.
  • Harmful Substances: Lab tests showed prohibited substances in food, threatening business existence.
  • Advertising: A company was fined for violating laws during medication advertising (e.g., advertising prescription drugs).

Georgian Legal Framework

The field is regulated by the "Code on Food/Feed Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection" and the "Law on Medicines and Pharmaceutical Activities." Crucially important for labeling is the Government Decree on the "Technical Regulation on Provision of Food Information to Consumers." The "Law on Protection of Consumer Rights" also applies.

Process: How Collaboration with a Specialist Works

The process includes:

  1. Audit: Legal audit of products, labels, and accompanying documentation.
  2. Recommendations: Developing a plan to correct deficiencies (e.g., changing label design).
  3. Documentation: Preparing and submitting registration or permit documentation.
  4. Inspection: Preparing the facility for regulatory checks.
  5. Defense: Appealing fines or sanctions in administrative bodies or courts.

Why Choose Legal.ge?

The food and drug sector requires detail-oriented and specific legal knowledge. Legal.ge connects you with lawyers who have in-depth knowledge of food safety and pharmaceutical regulations. Protect your business and consumers with the help of our experts. Find a specialist on Legal.ge.

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Specialists for this service

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