AKD is known for its expertise in complex food matters where it often handles disputes involving slaughterhouses, organic produce and the farming industry, amongst others. Advising on food-specific regulations such as labelling requirements, food safety standards, and product compliance is another focus for the practice. Food law expert Barbara Mutsaers leads the group and is a member of the Dutch Food Law Association and the European Food Law Association, enabling her to advise clients on the full spectrum of food-related issues, and is especially recognised for her litigation skills, handling civil law procedures, non-conformity claims, and administrative procedures. She is supported by Erik Dans, who is the key contact for administrative food law issues, focusing on food processing companies, advising them on regulatory issues and representing them in enforcement cases.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Erik Dans is a driven and very educated lawyer who has the ability to translate practical situations into language that can be understood by judges.’
‘Working with Barbara Mutsaers was a pleasure from start to finish. Clearly an expert in her field, her no-nonsense, pragmatic approach was appreciated by our business, whilst her reassuring presence during negotiations helped us to achieve a very satisfactory outcome.’
‘I experienced the individuals in AKD as very driven and committed to represent our company. I was impressed by Barbara Mutsaers who knew the dossier and relevant details in full. That not only requires knowledge of the dossier but understanding of our business, market and products as well.’
‘AKD has a very skilled team of professionals and know each other's strengths. That makes it very easy for clients to get the best guidance in the large forest of compliance, rules and other relevant legal questions a client has. And for this expertise to be easy accessible is a head start for starting our business.’
‘Barbara Mutsaers is very involved and passionate in her expertise. She knows the fine lines and is very knowledgeable when it comes to legal issues. Barbara is very fast in responding to cases and always knows how to get to the bottom of the case and how to defend it. Her communication is clear and strong. She always has a goal in mind and very structured in her conversation.’
'They are experienced in niche markets and do what they promise.'
'The team has a lot of knowledge of our specific business.'
'Contacts with Erik Dans were very pleasant. Erik responds quickly to our questions and thinks along with our wishes.'

Key clients

Perfetti Van Melle
Plukon Food Group
Yili Innovation Center Europe
Hoogwegt International
Sligro Food Group Nederland
Interfood Holding
Blueworld Seafood
Greenpower
VanRijsingeningrediënts
B&S International
Corbion
Purac Biochem
Meelunie
Andean Life B.V.
Baker & Baker
Chr. Hansen
Andean Life B.V.

Work highlights

Represented international manufacturers of own label and branded food products in a dispute with their supplier regarding the delivery of contaminated ingredients and the compensation for damages suffered as a result thereof.
Represented Plukon Food Group in court proceedings against the Dutch State regarding hygiene requirements.
Advised a company on entering the European market with their food product, encompassing crucial aspects of legality, regulatory compliance, and labelling requirements of the specific foods and their ingredients.