Regulatory

Our specialist Regulatory team deals with all aspects of Regulatory Law. Regulatory Law refers to the rules and regulations established by government bodies to oversee and manage various aspects of society, including commerce, finance, healthcare, environment, and more. The aims of these regulations are to protect the public, maintain market integrity and ensure compliance. 

The regulations are often complex and sometimes seem over-complicated, and businesses can find themselves on the end of an investigation or prosecution that they find difficult to understand.  We are here to help, and a ‘first call’ to the team can save you time, money and your reputation later down the line.

The team deal with a wide range of issues including:

Food regulatory issues 

The law places the onus on all food business operators to achieve compliance with detailed and complex regulations. The consequences of failing to comply can include significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and even custodial sentences.  Our team can help to guide you through this difficult and often confusing regulatory landscape. 

We understand the food industry and are committed to providing you with the best advice which is tailored to your individual needs.  We act for a wide range of clients including primary producers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. We advise in relation to a range of food safety and compliance issues, including allergens, food labelling, imports, and product recalls, as well as supporting businesses and individuals facing food regulatory investigations and prosecutions.

Animal welfare 

Our team at Roythornes has experience in dealing with animal welfare infringements that can arise on farm, during transport and at slaughterhouses. With a forensic knowledge of the meat sector, our ‘whole of supply chain’ knowledge helps clients meet the challenge of regulator investigations.

Environmental law 

Any business which manufactures, builds or grows will be subject to a plethora of environmental regulations, including regulations on waste, contaminated land, water pollution and nuisance.  Our team can help businesses from the initial investigation to conclusion, providing practical and commercial advice at all times.

Health and safety 

Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can have serious implications for businesses, from disruption to business activities and reputational damage to heavy fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. Our expert team can help businesses understand and comply with health and safety regulations, assist in responding to investigations by the HSE, and defend businesses and directors facing prosecution for health and safety offences.

Transport regulatory issues 

Every primary and secondary food-producing business will need to transport their goods, be that livestock, grain, vegetables, meat or final products ready for sale. The vast majority of movement of those goods will be on Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) on the roads.

The regulations surrounding the driving and service of HGVs are very tight, and for transporters of live animals there are additional requirements for the welfare of animals in transport. Our team can represent you at public inquiries before the Traffic Commissioner, advise in respect of criminal investigations by the police, Traffic Commissioner, Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency, or Animal and Plant Health Agency, and defend prosecutions for transport and traffic-related offences.

Pest control 

All buildings, be they commercial or residential, can be the victim of problems with pests. For food businesses, ensuring pests are kept under control is a vital requirement and for many a daily struggle.  If a business is being investigated or prosecuted for pest infestation, the key is to act quickly.  Our experienced team can manage the whole process, including damage limitation from a reputational perspective.