David Ettinger counsels multinational companies on food (with a unique emphasis on alternative proteins including plant- and cell-based foods) and food packaging, as well as consumer and tobacco-related products. He assists clients in navigating the import and export of goods to ensure compliance with regulations in the United States (U.S.), Europe, and Asia. David counsels companies in China and throughout Asia on matters ranging from ingredient and labeling to product seizure and detention, to food and consumer product recalls and consumer complaints.
David is the chief representative in Keller and Heckman’s Shanghai, China office and previously worked in the firm’s Washington, DC and Brussels offices. His global experience uniquely positions him to counsel foreign companies who need to navigate the regulatory landscape in Asia. To further enhance his and Keller and Heckman’s global capabilities, David is the Chair of Mackrell International, a global legal network of over 90 international, independent law firms. Mackrell International’s member base spans more than 60 countries, which provides Keller and Heckman clients with access to legal support in all major world markets. In addition, David is past Chair and current Vice Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai’s (AmCham Shanghai) Food, Agriculture & Beverage Committee and serves as a moderator and presenter for many of its seminars and conferences.
David and his team in Shanghai publish China Regulatory Matters (CRM) and Asian Regulatory Matters (ARM), two e-newsletters that focus on regulatory updates in China and the rest of Asia. He is frequently invited to speak on international regulatory matters regarding food, food-related products, and tobacco-related products.
Prior to joining Keller and Heckman, David was a trademark attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He has extensive trial experience as a former assistant district attorney in the Nassau County District Attorney's Office in New York, where he prosecuted felonies and misdemeanors. His advocacy skills are frequently used to defend companies before various international regulatory bodies and to help implement crisis management strategies.
More Legal and Business Bylines From David J. Ettinger
- Korea Introduces More Rules to Enhance Oversight of Alternative Protein Foods - (Posted On Tuesday, December 12, 2023)
- China Update: STMA Publishes Guidelines on Quality Assurance for E-Cigarettes for Export - (Posted On Friday, August 25, 2023)
- How to Introduce Alternative Proteins via Tasting Trials in the Netherlands and Singapore - (Posted On Thursday, August 24, 2023)
- China’s MEE Chemical Reporting Plan: Assessing Environmental Risks - (Posted On Thursday, August 24, 2023)
- Israel Approves the First Animal-Free Protein for Food Use - (Posted On Friday, June 02, 2023)
- China Proposes to Amend GB 4806.1 General Safety Standard for Food-Contact Materials - (Posted On Friday, May 26, 2023)
- China Publishes Long-awaited Management Measures for the Supervision of Toothpaste - (Posted On Tuesday, April 25, 2023)
- News Alert: Public Consultation on the EU’s Tobacco Products Legislation: Comment Period Open Until May 16, 2023 - (Posted On Thursday, April 06, 2023)
- The South Korean Food Authority Releases New Rules and Policies Supporting the Development of the Alternative Protein Industry - (Posted On Thursday, March 30, 2023)
- China Announces Draft Standard on Nutritional Fortification Substances: What Will its Impact Be on Alternative Protein Foods? - (Posted On Tuesday, February 28, 2023)