Ian Thomas
Barrister, Gough Square Chambers (London)
Ian is a barrister at London's Gough Square Chambers, and also a solicitor in the Republic of Ireland, specialising in Food and Consumer Product Law.
He advises clients, from multinationals to start-ups, on UK, Irish, and EU legislation. A renowned expert in food hygiene, labelling, supplements, recalls, and enforcement, he is Visiting Professor at Ulster University, a Fellow of the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology (SOFHT) and a Committee Member of the Food Law Group.
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Ian undertakes a mix of contentious work and non-contentious advisory work on behalf of clients ranging from multi-national organisations to SMEs and start-ups, as well as individuals. His work involves domestic law in GB and the Republic of Ireland, and EU law.
His food law experience includes hygiene and safety (including allergens), labelling and product information, nutrition and health claims, environmental claims, food supplements, borderline products, animal welfare, traceability, withdrawals and recalls, official controls, imports, investigations and enforcement action (including appeals and prosecutions).
Ian is a Visiting Professor at Ulster University contributing to the Food Regulatory Affairs and Veterinary Public Health courses; an elected Fellow of the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology (SOFHT);Ìýa member of the Food Law Group (committee member) and the European Food Law Association.
He is a country correspondent for the European Food and Feed Law Review and is the author of ‘A Practical Guide to the Law Relating to Food’ and ‘Covid-19 and the Law Relating to Food in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland’. HeÌýis a regular speaker at seminars and conferences (including the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ annual conference).
The Law Directories say of him:
- "An excellent advocate, who is able to advise the client on the best legal route, whilst recognising the commercial realities of the client's business."
- "Ian Thomas is a well-regarded junior acting for companies in food law matters. He is highly adept at providing regulatory compliance advice as well as representing clients in court."
- "He inspires confidence in his clients and is highly skilled at handling all the detail in a case."
- "A true food safety expert, he has a grasp of pitching his in-depth, technical knowledge in the most appropriate commercial context."
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