What We Do

Ian Thomas primarily works with clients and other lawyers operating in the food and beverages sectors. He is also experienced in matters relating to non-food consumer products.

As the principal solicitor at Ian Thomas Associates and as a self-employed barrister, Ian is able to provide continuity of advice to all his clients on the laws and regulatory framework in Ireland, the EU and the UK. This ensures that he is able to fully understand each client’s business while working with them to find solutions to their specific needs and respond effectively to their particular issues.

He provides a professional, prompt, efficient and commercially focused service to help clients.

Ian works proactively with clients to help them become and remain compliant with the many rules and regulations affecting them and their products.

He also works reactively with clients where they are facing threatened or actual enforcement action or where there is a problem with their products which may need to be withdrawn or recalled to protection consumers. He helps clients respond effectively to threatened or actual enforcement action.

Ian has substantial experience of advising or appearing in court in relation to a wide range of EU and domestic food law matters including; food safety and hygiene, food information, health and nutrition claims, food supplements, borderline products, traceability, product withdrawals and recalls, animal welfare (including at the time of killing), official controls and enforcement powers.

The work involves the interpretation and application of EU food law and involves wider EU principles such as proportionality, necessity and interference with rights.  Domestic legal issues include principles of strict liability and the responsibility and liability of corporations and individuals (as food business operators or as company officers).

He is experienced in working collaboratively with clients and other lawyers in providing domestic and EU advice as part of wider regulatory or marketing projects.