Michael J. O'Flaherty, Attorney

Mr. O'Flaherty is a principal at Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Bode Matz P.C. He concentrates his practice, and for over fifteen years has counseled clients extensively, in food and dietary supplement regulatory matters -- especially labeling and advertising, formulation, compliance and enforcement risk, and administrative procedures. Mr. O'Flaherty has spoken and authored numerous articles in his areas of expertise. His practice also includes trademark and customs matters.

Mr. O'Flaherty was born in Chicago, Illinois and received his B.S. in 1978 from Northwestern University and his J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law in 1987. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1987 and the District of Columbia Bar in 1988, and is currently a member of the District of Columbia Bar and Illinois Bar Associations. Mr. O'Flaherty joined the firm in 1987 after clerking for two years in The Quaker Oats Company's Law Department.

Areas of Practice:

Food and Dietary Supplement Law

Trademark Law

Customs Law

Special Agencies:

Food and Drug Administration

Federal Trade Commission

Patent and Trademark Office

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Bar Admissions:

Illinois, 1987

District of Columbia, 1988

Education:

Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, Illinois, 1987
Juris Doctor

Northwestern University, 1978
Bachelor of Science

Published Works:

"Are You Ready for FDA's Mandatory Reportable Food Registry (Once the Agency is)?"  Association of Food Industries Annual Journal, 2009.

"FDA Conditional Release Period and CBP Bond and Redelivery Obligations for Imported Food Specified," Association of Food Industries Annual Journal, 2007.

Importing Food into the United States: A Regulatory Guide, The Food Institute Press, 2007

U.S. Food Labeling Guide III, The Food Institute Press, 2006

"Beware: Warning Labels on Soft Drinks ," Washington Legal Foundation Legal Backgrounder, Vol. 20, No. 52, Nov., 2005

"Pearson v. Shalala: The FDA, Free Speech, and the Future Regulation of Product Claims," CRC Press LLC, 2001.

"Food or Supplement? -- Choosing the Appropriate Regulatory Path ," Food Technology, Vol.52, No.12, Dec., 1998

"Customs Rule on Country of Origin Marks on Front Panels of Frozen Produce Packages Lacks Legal Basis," Washington Legal Foundation Legal Backgrounder, Vol. 9, No. 20, June, 1994

"Complying with New Wax and Resin Coating Regulations: UFFVA's Quick Guide for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Industry," United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, 1993

"The Battle Gets Curiouser and Curiouser: As the FDA Considers Regulations that Will Circumscribe the Health Claims Made for Dietary Supplements, Congress Is Being Asked to Intervene," (The New Jersey Law Journal Health Care Supplement, Nov. 1993), Legal Times of Washington, Sept., 1993

"Food Labeling Reforms," The Food Institute Press, Jan., 1993

"Final Round of the Fight Over Food Labels," Legal Times of Washington, Jan., 1993

"Regulators Dish It Out on Food Labeling," Legal Times of Washington, Jan., 1992

"History of Health Claims Regulation," 45 Food Drug Comm. L.J. 655, Nov., 1990

Professional Associations and Memberships:

District of Columbia Bar Association

Illinois Bar Association
(Inactive Member)