The Attack on Food Freedom
Today, elected officials and regulators are cracking down with increasing relentlessness on the lives and livelihoods of the farmers, chefs, artisans, restaurateurs, food truck operators and others who raise, produce, make, cook and sell the food we eat—and in the process, undermining their right to earn an honest living and provide for themselves.
The Attack on Food Freedom—the first in a new series of independently authored reports published by the Institute for Justice, “Perspectives on Economic Liberty”—discusses this assault on food freedom and economic liberty, and identifies three ways in which government regulators undermine both rights: overzealous food safety regulations, bureaucratic hoops, and the “new” public health.
Authors Baylen Linnekin of Keep Food Legal and Michael Bachmann trace the origins of food freedom back to this nation’s founding. As the report discusses, had the British never clamped down on the rights of American colonists to earn a living through a variety of food-related pursuits, the cause of American Independence may never have arisen. The authors then trace the constitutional and convoluted history of food freedom, concluding with a pending court case that will have serious implications for food freedom and economic liberty.
Today’s bans and strict regulations ultimately limit the choices available to eaters—which includes quite literally everyone—and in the process, prevent food entrepreneurs from earning an honest living.
The assault on food freedom and economic liberty must stop. Read this report to learn more, and visit www.ij.org/action for what you can do about it.
Related Cases

Economic Liberty | Fresh Start
Feds threaten to end only Black radio station in Knoxville over owner’s personal tax conviction
Joe Armstrong brought Black community focused radio back on the air in Knoxville, Tennessee. Now he's fighting the FCC for his license, not for anything he put out over the air, but for an old…

Economic Liberty | Hair Braiding | Occupational Licensing
Three Idaho Women Challenge State’s Requirement for Hair Braiders to Obtain Cosmetology License

Economic Liberty | Private Property
Home day care provider sues city after officials shut her down over complaints from golfers
Bianca King is a single mother with two young children. Until recently, she was able to raise her 2-and 4-year-old kids while making a living running a small day care out of her home. But…
In The News
Liberty & Law Article
Another Sweet VICTORY for Wisconsin Home Bakers
Liberty & Law Article
Victory for Florida Creamery:
Liberty & Law Article