Neal Fortin
Director, Institute for Food Laws & Regulations
Neal Fortin is an attorney, the director of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations, and a professor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University.
Previously, Professor Fortin worked for the Michigan Department of Agriculture where he was the primary drafter of the Michigan Food Law of 2000 and manager of the food service regulatory program. As a practicing attorney, Professor Fortin concentrated in food law representing food companies. He is a prolific author and speaker. His textbook, Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy, and Practice, is available from Wiley & Sons. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.
Program Overview
The Institute for Food Laws and Regulations at Michigan State University offers food law courses taught online by an international network of food science, academic, and legal professionals, who understand the complex nature of food laws and how they impact the flow of food and agricultural products across national boundaries.
Most of our students are food sector professionals who work full time while taking one course per semester. Many work at food companies and have a background in food science. We also have many attorneys, and regulators from government bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Ministries of Agriculture from around the world.
A typical course will detail the food regulation practices of a specific subject area such as Codex Alimentarius, or provide a detailed examination of the food laws and regulatory practices of a specific country or region such as the European Union, Latin America, Canada, or China. Students may earn a “Certificate in International Food Law” after completing twelve qualifying credits (usually four courses).
Program Outcomes
Our students are generally early to mid-career professionals, with titles such as analyst, manager, supervisor, specialist, director, or general counsel, in the areas of compliance, quality assurance, labeling, regulatory affairs, risk mitigation, and crisis management. Our alumni become known as the “go to” person for matters related to food laws and regulations within their organizations.
By successfully completing our courses, students will:
- Understand and be able to apply national and international food laws and regulations.
- Be familiar with the roles of international food agencies, such as the WHO, FAO, Codex, and WTO.
- Be able to locate and use relevant food laws and regulations.
- Improve critical thinking and analytical skills related to the intersection of science and law.
- Be aware of current food law issues and be able to discuss them and write about them.
- Understand how to optimize working relationships with government officials.
- Learn tools of the regulatory craft in controlling risks to the public, solving problems, and managing compliance.
Career Outlook
Most of IFLR’s online graduate students work full time in the food industry. Many report earning a promotion or new position as a direct result of having taken courses through IFLR. According to the 2022 Institute for Food Technologists (IFT) Salary Survey, food scientists and food technologists who move into regulatory specialist positions make $25,750 more on average. Many IFLR certificate holders continue their studies to complete an online Master of Science in Food Regulatory Affairs with Michigan State University. Students may request to transfer up to 9 qualifying credits towards a degree. Please contact iflr@msu.edu to learn more those individual programs to learn about their transfer credit policies
A Top-Ranked Education
- 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$978.25
$1,222.25
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.