The range of activities undertaken by AGES encompasses the registration and control of agricultural supplies (seeds, plant protection products, feedstuffs, etc.), food inspections, the prevention and control of animal diseases and infectious diseases in humans, as well as the supervision and registration of pharmaceuticals and medical products.

AGES detects health risks, evaluates and communicates them and develops recommendations for risk minimisation for its two shareholders, the Federal Ministry of Health and Women’s Affairs (BMGF) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (BMLFUW).

Its duties derive from the requirements defined in the Austrian Health and Food Safety Act (Austrian Federal Law Gazette I Nb. 63/2002 as amended), the relevant laws it includes (such as the Austrian Food Safety and Consumer Protection Act) and all applicable European regulations.

Our mission: Protection

AGES is the leading expert organisation in risk minimisation in health, food safety, as well as consumer protection.

Our responsibility: Austria

AGES is a limited liability company and wholly-owned by the Republic of Austria. AGES provides services defined by the Austrian Health and Food Safety Act (GESG), the relevant laws included and the appropriate European regulations on behalf of the Republic.

Our tool: Knowledge

AGES takes an interdisciplinary approach, using bundled, scientifically sound expert knowledge. AGES is a partner in national and international networks.

Our competence: Integrated solutions

The AGES service range encompasses analysis, assessment, supervision, certification and registration. We work in accordance with the principles of risk analysis to ensure the highest possible health, food safety and consumer protection levels possible within our sphere of influence: we evaluate risks, conduct risk communication, give risk management recommendations and manage risks for authorities.

Healthy life for humans, animals and plants!

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.