Office

Grand Rapids

Phone

616/336-6569

Fax

616/336-7000

Email

sskluting@varnumlaw.com

Download

V-Card, Resume

Assistant

Jackie Fazekas, 616/336-6852

Network

linkedin

Corporate and Food Law Experience

Steve counsels FDA-regulated businesses - in particular, those companies in the food, beverage and dietary supplement industry, on the day-to-day legal issues and the "bet the business" strategies that each client must overcome and/or implement to be and remain competitive in the global marketplace, in particular:

• labeling and advertising compliance
• reporting and registration requirements under the "Reportable Food Registry" and "food facility registration" process
• import and export issues, including detention actions by U.S. Customs & Border Protection
• crisis prevention strategies, including preparing and assisting with the implementation of food safety programs, food defense plans, strategies for compliance with FSMA, recall programs, and inspection policies
• effective crisis management, including misbranding lawsuits, government enforcement actions (including press releases and warning letters), stop-sale orders, and recalls or market withdrawal situations
• the "business of food" – documenting and negotiating commercial relationships; structuring a distribution system or strategic partnership; and obtaining liability protection throughout the supply and distribution chain

Steve is committed to understanding the legal and business needs of his food business clients. Knowing that food safety is a huge priority for his clients, Steve, through training and testing, recently became a Certified HACCP Manager; this perspective allows him to better serve his food business clients in dealing with developing their food safety and food defense programs, working through recall situations, mitigating against product liability risks, complying with regulatory and customer demands, and being competitive in the industry.

Ultimately, Steve's experience with food laws and regulations, and with changing marketplace dynamics, supports his clients' business strategies and decision-making regarding legal risks.
Steve also has significant experience in distribution law, in particular providing counsel to clients regarding their distribution systems or franchising networks.  He has assisted many clients in creating and terminating dealer, franchise and sales representative relationships and in resolving disputes among the parties to such arrangements.