Overview

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.

Syllabus

Orientation & Module 1 | Advocacy and Food Regulations and Overview of U.S. Food Imports

In the course orientation, you'll get to know the course, your classmates, and our learning environment, and gain the technical skills needed. Then, learn how advocacy groups influence food policy and regulation in the U.S. You will also learn how global organizations and U.S. agencies work together to ensure that imported foods meet safety and labeling standards. By the end of this module, you'll be able to explain how both domestic and international efforts help shape the food supply available to U.S. consumers.

Module 2 | U.S. Regulations for "Special Foods": Medical Foods, Infant Formula, and Dietary Supplements

In this module, you will learn how the U.S. regulates special categories of foods, including medical foods, infant formula, and dietary supplements. These products serve unique roles in health and nutrition and are subject to specific rules for safety, labeling, and ingredient use. You’ll explore how key laws like the Infant Formula Act and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) define these categories and guide FDA oversight. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to identify how each of these special foods is regulated and what makes them different from conventional foods.

Module 3 | How Are U.S. Food Regulations Enforced?

In this module, you will learn how food regulations are enforced in the U.S. through the work of key federal agencies like the FDA and USDA. You’ll explore the difference between labeling and advertising and understand why each is regulated differently. The module also covers enforcement tools such as recalls, withdrawals, safety alerts, and FDA warning letters. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to explain how enforcement actions help protect consumers and ensure companies follow food laws.

Module 4 & Course Wrap-up | From Labels to Lawsuits: Understanding U.S. Food Regulations & Litigation

In this module, you will explore how food regulations are enforced through real-world examples and learn how consumers can take legal action when regulations fall short. You’ll examine case studies involving mislabeled or unsafe products and understand the role of private litigation and class-action lawsuits in protecting consumer rights. At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!