Code of Conduct
The AGES is established by the Health and Food Safety Act (GESG, BGBl I Nr. 63/2002 idgF) and fulfils the legal tasks listed in particular in § 8 GESG.
In accordance with these provisions, AGES shall act officially on behalf of the competent authorities, in particular the Federal Office for Safety in Health Care (BASG) and the Federal Office for Food Safety (BAES), but also on behalf of the state authorities within the framework of indirect federal administration as well as the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection and the Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism. AGES advises the authorities, conducts research and prepares expert opinions, studies and test reports on behalf of the authorities.
In addition, AGES determines the maximum residue levels in foodstuffs in accordance with § 4 LMSVG.
In addition, AGES provides BAES and BASG on the one hand and the Office for Veterinary Health Certification on the other hand with all the necessary resources to perform the tasks pursuant to §§ 6, and 6a and 6b (§ 8 para 4 GESG).
The financing of these services in accordance with the statutory mandate is carried out via fixed fees (in particular via fees fixed in accordance with § 6 (6) and § 6a (6) GESG and the material laws such as § 66 LMSVG), as well as through subsidies from the Republic of Austria (§ 12 GESG). The financial management of AGES is subject to control by external auditors as well as by the internal audit department. Furthermore, AGES is audited by the Court of Auditors.
In addition to these statutory activities (sovereign in the broadest sense), AGES is also active in the private sector in accordance with § 8 (7) GESG. The acceptance of orders from third parties must not impair the independence and integrity of AGES with regard to its statutory duties and must be carried out at market prices.
This Code of Conduct describes the principles that guide AGES and are an integral part of AGES's corporate culture. The AGES Code of Conduct forms the basis for our actions and decisions. It is the basis for the moral, ethical and legal conduct of all our employees.
In the event of a violation of legal regulations, internal guidelines, regulations and directives or of the provisions of this Code of Conduct, every employee must expect disciplinary consequences. In addition, violations may also result in criminal and civil law consequences, such as claims for recourse and damages, for the affected person(s).