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.
Awards
•Chambers Greater China Region: Life Sciences (International Firms), 2017 - 2026
•Lexology Index: Product Regulation & Liability, 2026
•The Best Lawyers in America: FDA Law, 2016 - 2024
Insights & In the News
Japan Publishes Draft Safety Assessment Guideline for Cell-Cultured Foods
06.24.2026
Publication
Food Labeling in China: From Buzzwords to Regulatory Boundaries
06.16.2026
Publication
Hong Kong: The Evolving Regulatory Landscape for Cultured Meats
06.02.2026
Publication
Keller and Heckman Earns Multiple Firm and Individual Rankings in the 2026 Chambers USA G...
Press Release
06.04.2026
