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.
Navigating U.S. Food Regulations: Safety and Enforcement
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll gain
- Nutrition and Diet
- Advocacy
- Law, Regulation, and Compliance
- Lawsuits
- Good Manufacturing Practices
- Litigation and Civil Justice
- Clinical Nutrition
- Advertising
- Packaging and Labeling
- Public Policies
- Food and Beverage
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Regulatory Affairs
- Food Quality Assurance And Control
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
August 2025
Assessments
6 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 4 modules in this course
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 United States. 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.
What's included
9 videos5 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
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.
What's included
8 videos2 readings1 assignment
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.
What's included
10 videos2 readings1 assignment
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!
What's included
7 videos6 readings2 assignments
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Although completion of the Coursera course alone is not credit-bearing, it is a required component of a graduate-level Canvas course that can be "stacked" toward advanced credentials such as an academic (transcriptable) graduate certificate or a degree. If you decide to pursue further education, the credits you earn from this course can be applied toward a formal academic program, provided that you meet all the requirements of admission to the certificate or degree.
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
More questions
Financial aid available,