Introduction

Here you will find all information about the administrative structure and distribution of competences in Austria, as well as the specific, cross-cutting federal laws and horizontal, cross-cutting aspects.

1. food, commodities, cosmetics

An important basis for safe food is regulatory food and veterinary supervision, which covers both animal and non-animal foods, water, cosmetics, commodities and toys. Hygiene, labeling and quality controls ensure that consumer health is safeguarded from production to distribution.

2. genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

In Austria, the cultivation and release of genetically modified organisms is prohibited. Worldwide, however, the areas under cultivation are increasing every year. The aim of the controls is the precautionary protection of agriculture against contamination by GMOs in seeds or planting material. This is done by testing seed and planting material that is placed on the market in Austria.

3. feed

Safe feed is the basis for healthy and high-performing animals and thus for obtaining healthy food of animal origin. Feed controls aim to make it safe as the first link in the food chain.

4. animal health

Transmission of infectious diseases can occur from animal to animal, but in some cases also from animal to human. Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans are referred to as zoonoses. Because zoonotic diseases can also be transmitted through food, there is a direct link between human health and animal health. Animal health controls range from prevention, surveillance and systematic control of animal diseases to import controls from third countries by the Border Veterinary Service.

5. animal byproducts

Not all animal by-products have to be disposed of properly. Additives can be obtained from some of them, which is why they play a key role in the food chain. This results in special challenges in control and the networking of different authorities as well as the use of several databases. The aim of the controls is the safe disposal or treatment and further processing of animal by-products.

6. animal welfare

The aim is to protect the life and well-being of animals from the special responsibility of man for the animal as a fellow creature. In the foreground is the protection of the individual animal, regardless of whether this animal is under the care of man or not. The well-being of an animal is expressed in the satisfaction of its needs and the absence of pain, suffering, harm or severe fear. Animal welfare is controlled, among other things, during transport and slaughter.

7. plant health

Plants are at risk from a wide variety of pests; they can be attacked by viruses, fungi, bacteria and insects, for example. Plant health controls ensure sustainable plant production, protect plants and thus the environment as well as consumers. The control plan includes both disease and pest control through monitoring and import controls, since harmful organisms that are not introduced in the first place do not require control measures.

8. plant protection products

Plant protection products are intended to protect plants and plant products from harmful organisms. However, they can also pose risks and dangers to humans, animals and the environment. For this reason, both the placing on the market and the use of plant protection products are controlled.

10. EU quality regulations

In Austria, the national enforcement of Union law in the field of protected geographical indications, protected designations of origin, traditional specialties guaranteed and geographical indications for spirits is determined by the EU Quality Schemes Implementation Act on the basis of the national organization of controls of these Community-regulated claims. The aim of the controls is to protect consumers from deception, counterfeiting and fraud. At the same time, the controls contribute to market transparency and fair competition.

5. animal byproducts

6. animal welfare