In no other industry is the bond of trust between a business and its customers more direct or fragile than in food and beverage. Every product offered is a promise of safety and quality. A license to operate in this sector is, therefore, more than a legal formality; it is a solemn covenant with the public. A single failure in compliance—whether in production, labeling, or safety protocols—can lead to public health crises, devastating recalls, and the complete destruction of a brand. Legal Sandbox Georgia provides the expert legal oversight necessary to secure and maintain this public trust, ensuring your commitment to quality is fortified by a legal framework of equal integrity.
Our services begin at the source. We offer specialized guidance on obtaining the necessary licenses and registrations for every stage of your operation, from food production and processing to distribution and hospitality. We manage the entire application and registration process with Georgia's primary regulator, the National Food Agency (NFA), ensuring your facilities and procedures are structured to meet all legal requirements from the outset. This is not merely paperwork; it involves a comprehensive review of your operations to ensure they align with Georgia's stringent food safety laws.
A cornerstone of compliance in Georgia is the mandatory implementation of the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) system. This is a legal requirement under Georgia's Law on Food/Feed Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection. Our team provides expert, practical guidance on developing and implementing a HACCP plan tailored to your specific operations. We help you identify critical control points, establish monitoring procedures, and create the documentation required to demonstrate full compliance to the NFA, turning a complex regulatory hurdle into a manageable business process.
A license is a starting point; maintaining it requires constant vigilance. We provide hands-on assistance with ongoing compliance with food safety regulations and inspections. This includes advising on Georgia's product labeling rules, which are closely harmonized with EU standards, ensuring your traceability systems are robust, and preparing your team and facilities for both scheduled and unscheduled inspections by the NFA. We help you build a culture of compliance that makes safety an intrinsic part of your daily operations, not just a response to regulatory pressure.
When that trust is challenged, we are your shield. We provide formidable legal representation in cases of licensing disputes, non-compliance findings, suspensions, or revocations. If your business faces a sanction from the NFA due to an alleged violation, we will be your unwavering advocate. We meticulously review the findings, challenge procedural errors, negotiate with the NFA on corrective actions and potential fines, and will defend your license—the very foundation of your business—in all administrative and judicial forums.