Food Regulation in
Latin America

ANR-490
Section 733

Introduction:

WELCOME to the preview of Food Regulation in Latin America, ANR-490, Section 733.  This is a 3 credit hour, graduate or undergraduate level, Internet-based, college course offered by Michigan State University designed for anyone who must understand the complexities of the regulation of food and agricultural products in Latin America.  

Food Regulation in Latin America is one in our series of region-specific, Internet-based, food law courses comprising our International Food Law Certificate Program sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Institute for Food Laws and Regulations here at Michigan State University.  It is designed to introduce food industry professionals and university level students  to food law and regulation as it is currently practiced in Latin America.  Perspectives from regulatory, commercial and consumer interests will be taken into account. The events taking place in Latin America in food law and regulation will be linked, when appropriate, to the broader movements underway in other regions and on an international basis.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of the course the participant should have an understanding of  

1)   The economic, commercial, cultural and social issues and challenges facing Latin America and their relation to Food Law and Regulation.  

2)   The General Laws and Regulations in the region, how they have evolved and what changes might be expected in the future.  

3)   The current food related issues in the region  

4)   How the Latin American Region is working in the international framework in food laws and regulations.

5)   How to use the www to learn more about specific topics and countries

The lead instructor for this course is Dr. Rebeca Lopez-Garcia, a food industry consultant who lives in Mexico.  She will be joined by several food law professional from the region who will be available by email to answer your questions.  There is also a Course Manager who will be available to help with any and all concerns regarding this course.  

Course Design:

The course is taught in a series of sections or " Modules".  Each module lasts one week and represents specific food issues or the food laws of a specific geographic region.  Each module will be uploaded on Monday.  You will have one week to read the materials and complete the assignment.  Once uploaded, the Modules remain online throughout the duration of the course so you can always go back in case you miss a week or need to refer to a specific topic. 

Sample Course Outline:

Module Two - Latin AmericaToday: Part I  
An Introduction to Latin America: Regional Characteristics, Historical Development and 
Present Challenges

Module Three - Latin AmericaToday: Part II
Challenges in Food Law and Regulation in the Region

Module Four - Overview of Latin American Food Law and Regulation:
Country Comparisons on the Basic Laws and Regulations

Module Five - Latin American Food Law:  
FAO, WHO, WTO and International Issues

Module Six - Food Safety in Latin America:  

Module Seven - Food Regulation and Mercosur:  

Module Eight - International Trade Issues:  

Module Nine - Dispute Settlement :  

Countries Case Studies

Module Ten	Mexico
Module Eleven	Argentina
Module Twelve	Case Study Organic Products in Brazil

Module Thirteen - Course Evaluation:
Course wrap up and Student Instructional Ratings Surveys (SIRS)

Assignments:

Your assignments will be due by the following Monday and can be submitted automatically using our Course Assignment Drop Box feature or by email, fax or snail mail.  Grades are posted electronically and sent to you by email.  Class participation is accomplished by means of synchronous and asynchronous Internet communication technologies such as bulletin boards and Discussion Forums.

Summary:

So there you have it.  You should plan on spending an average of nine hours per week to complete a module.  You simply go online each Monday morning and a new module will be waiting.  Read the materials, explore the hyperlinked and other Internet-based resources, complete the assignment, upload it in the course assignment drop box, and you're done for the week.  Now, lets be realistic.  What if you're called out of town for a week or are otherwise unable to access or complete a module within the one week time limit?  No problem.  Time extensions can be granted; and, if you give us a bit of notice, the course materials can be provided to you by email attachment, fax, CD or otherwise.

If you are looking for a convenient way to continue your education and are interested in Latin America, or you need information regarding the regulation of foods in that region, or if you work for a company planning an expansion into the Latin American market, this is the course for you. 

Just click here [How to Enroll] to get started. You will find a copy of the Application and Questionnaire, which you may simply print, fill in by hand, and fax to (517) 432-1492, to start the enrollment process. No transcript submission is required through the Lifelong Education program.