Xin Tao

Xin's background in life science (biochemistry and biophysics) assists him in his science-based food and drug law practices. Xin advises clients on food and drug law with a particular focus on novel food and dietary ingredients, biotechnology, FDA cGMP compliance, ingredient labeling, and California’s Proposition 65.  Xin’s unique ability in understanding and interpreting the complex scientific issues as they relate to the governing regulatory requirements helps clients with all phases of the product development, manufacturing, and marketing.  He is also increasingly expanding his expertise of USDA’s organic regulatory regime as it pertains to his clients.

Xin has helped numerous food, dietary supplement, and pharmaceutical companies evaluate the need for marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He also pursues clearance or pre-market approval (e.g., food additive petition, GRAS notice, NDI notification) when necessary and responds to FDA enforcement activities including Warning Letters and Import Alerts. Xin has advised numerous companies on issues relating to the advertising and promoting of products including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)'s claim substantiation standards . Xin also has vast experience with FDA and USDA due diligence investigations for companies subject to takeover or merger activity.  

Xin is very actively involved in a number of organizations that serve Chinese legal and life science professionals in the Washington region, including the Sino-American Pharmaceutical Professionals Association and Washington DC Chinese Legal Association.  Xin is a frequent speaker and contributor to industry publications both in the U.S. and China.  He is adept at assisting both Chinese food and drug companies doing business in the U.S. and U.S. clients doing business in China.        

During law school, Xin worked as a regulatory food scientist and also served as an executive editor of the Georgetown Environmental Law Review.