Rachida Semail

Practice Areas

Rachida Semail counsels clients on the regulatory status of food packaging and food-related matters in the European Union (EU), Member States, and jurisdictions around the globe.

Rachida helps clients navigate the complexities of establishing a suitable EU status for food packaging articles and materials, including helping them apply the principle of mutual recognition to enable the free movement of non-harmonized food-contact materials throughout Europe. She also advises clients on EU requirements for biocides, active and intelligent packaging, packaging waste, and single-use plastics and recycling matters. In addition, Rachida assists clients with respect to materials intended for contact with drinking water and packaging issues related to cosmetics, drugs, and medical devices. A significant part of her work relates to petitioning the European Food Safety Authority or Member State authorities, e.g., the German BfR or Dutch authorities.

In the area of food law, Rachida advises clients on labeling and advertising compliance, substantiation of claims, product recalls, borderline products, novel foods, and other matters. Rachida has extensive knowledge on the textiles and machinery directives, as well as on tobacco products.

Prior to joining Keller and Heckman, Rachida practiced regulatory law at a French law firm specializing in EU and French food law, which allowed her to gain experience on enforcement of EU and French law. During her doctorate studies, she completed an internship with the legal service of the European Commission in Brussels, where she gained a first-hand perspective of policymaking and the legislative process.

Rachida is a contributing author to packaginglaw.com, as well as related industry publications, and is frequently invited to speak at international food-contact conferences.