AGES stands for safe, high-quality food and pharmaceuticals, as well as for healthy nutrition. We ensure health for humans, animals and plants from the farm to the fork. As one of Europe’s leading expert organisations, AGES strives to minimise risks within its sphere of influence and ensure food safety and security.

Healthy life for humans, animals and plants!

AGES itself is not a federal authority and, therefore, cannot enforce official rulings. As a result, two authorities have been assigned to AGES:

the Federal Office for Food Safety (BAES), and

the Federal Office for Safety in Healthcare (BASG).

These two authorities are also defined in the Austrian Health and Food Safety Act (GESG) Article 6. (1) and 6a. (1) and have all the sovereign, legal functions and powers of a federal authority. AGES provides both federal offices with the resources they require, such as staff and services (Articles 6 and 6a GESG), to carry out their duties.

Federal Office for Food Safety

The Federal Office for Food Safety (BAES) is subordinate to the Federal Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management. Its official duties cover the controlling and registration of seeds, feedstuffs, fertilisers and plant protection products. BAES is also responsible for export and import controls on plants and plant products, as well as seeds, in addition to the registration, authorisation and supervision of manufacturers. Moreover, BAES monitors the accuracy of consumer information on products from fisheries and aquaculture suppliers.

Federal Office for Safety in Healthcare

The Federal Office for Safety in Healthcare (BASG) is subordinate to the Federal Ministry of Health and Women’s Affairs and carries out its official duties in the fields of control and registration of pharmaceuticals and medical products. The AGES Austrian Medicines and Medical Devices Agency provides the federal office with services, staff and facilities.