FEDERAL AGENCY FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FOOD CHAIN

The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) was founded by the Act of 4 February 2000 and is responsible for the assessment and management of risks that may be harmful to the health of consumers as well as the health of animals and plants. The Agency carries out food safety inspections throughout the food chain. The FASFC integrates all control services that are competent for the entire food chain. The FASFC is not only competent for controlling food, feed, fertilisers and phytopharmaceuticals, but is also responsible for sanitary (animal diseases) and phytosanitary (plant sector) prevention and control measures. Laying down operational rules on controls, certification, infrastructure standards to be complied with by food chain FFBO's are also a part of its mission. The FASFC is also in charge of communication regarding all issues concerning the FASFC, in particular informing the consumers. The quality controls of import and export goods have been delegated to the FASFC.