Navigating U.S. Food Regulations: Safety and Enforcement

About this course

In today’s global food system, understanding how food regulations shape what we eat, how it’s labeled, and how it’s imported is more important than ever. Navigating U.S. Food Regulations: Safety and Enforcement is a dynamic 4-week Coursera course that explores the complex landscape of U.S. food laws, enforcement mechanisms, and the role of advocacy in shaping policy. From the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to the regulation of dietary supplements and infant formula, learners will gain a practical understanding of how food safety is maintained and how consumer protection is enforced. Led by instructor Dr. Jessica Hartke, you’ll explore how regulations evolve in response to public health needs and industry practices. This course features insights from a distinguished team of experts, including food law scholar Bryan Endres, nutrition scientist Deshanie Rai, regulatory strategist Karleigh Bacon, and food policy specialists Robbie Burns and Nate Matusheski. You’ll also hear from guest lecturers who are leaders in advocacy and policy, offering firsthand accounts of how regulations are influenced and enforced. Whether you're a student, professional, or curious consumer, this course will equip you with the tools to critically evaluate food regulations and their impact on public health and industry. This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit: https://aces.illinois.edu/online.  

Course objectives

• Equip participants with practical knowledge of U.S. food laws
• Explore the enforcement mechanisms of food safety regulations
• Discuss the evolution of food regulations in response to public health needs