Samantha (Sam) Begland counsels domestic and international clients on regulatory compliance related to food and drug packaging materials, with an emphasis on establishing regulatory clearances for food contact materials under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and comparable international agencies.

Sam prepares legal opinion letters regarding the status of packaging components, such as printing inks, adhesives, polymer components, and color additives, and advises clients on the data needs to support Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) clearances. She also advises clients on good manufacturing practice (GMP) matters related to the manufacture of food and drug packaging and on recycled materials intended for food contact uses.

While attending American University’s Washington College of Law, Sam was on the staff of the American University International Law Review, where her work was published and honored with the International Law Review Award, presented for best published student work. She also received a Certificate of Excellence in Legal Research, Citation, and Writing Strategy and was recognized for earning highest grade in her Family Law and Food and Drug Law courses.

Prior to joining Keller and Heckman, Sam served as a Legal and Legislative Intern in the U.S. House of Representatives for Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO). She was also an intern at a health care consulting firm and multiple law firms specializing in personal injury, reproductive rights, and fertility matters.

Representative Matters

• Provided counsel and support to clients in establishing compliance with FDA GMP requirements and regulations administered by FDA
• Performed regulatory reviews of food contact materials to assess compliance with FDA, European Union (EU), and MERCOSUR food contact laws and regulations
• Prepared legal opinion letters and submissions to FDA establishing the capability of recycling processes to produce post-consumer recycled material that is suitable for use in food contact applications
• Developed legal analysis of legislation and legislative policy to assist multinational companies in compliance efforts

Awards

• International Law Review Award, American University Washington College of Law
• CALI Excellence for the Future Awards® for Family Law and Food and Drug Law