Introduction

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

1. foodstuffs, articles of daily use, cosmetics

An important basis for safe food is official food and veterinary monitoring, which covers both animal and non-animal foodstuffs, water, cosmetics, consumer goods and toys. Hygiene, labelling 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 area under cultivation is 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 achieved by checking seeds and seedlings that are placed on the market in Austria.

3. animal feed

Safe feed is the basis for healthy and high-performing animals and therefore for the production of healthy food of animal origin. The aim of feed controls is to make feed safe as the first link in the food chain.

4. animal health

Infectious diseases can be transmitted from animal to animal, but in some cases also from animals to humans. Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans are known as zoonoses. As zoonoses can also be transmitted via food, there is a direct link between human health and animal health. Animal health controls range from the prevention, monitoring and systematic control of animal diseases to import controls from third countries by the border veterinary service.

5. animal by-products

Not all animal by-products need to be disposed of properly. Some can be used to produce additives, which is why they play a key role in the food chain. This results in particular challenges in terms of control and the networking of various authorities as well as the utilisation of several databases. The aim of the controls is to ensure the safe disposal, treatment and further processing of animal by-products.

6. animal welfare

The aim is to protect the life and well-being of animals based on the special responsibility of humans for animals as fellow creatures. The focus here is on the protection of the individual animal, regardless of whether this animal is under the care of humans or not. The welfare of an animal is expressed in the fulfilment of its needs and the absence of pain, suffering, harm or severe fear. Animal welfare is monitored during transport and slaughter, among other things.

7. plant health

Plants are at risk from a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, fungi, bacteria and insects. Phytosanitary controls ensure sustainable plant production, protect the plants and thus the environment and consumers. The control plan includes both the control of diseases and pests through monitoring and import controls, as harmful organisms that are not introduced in the first place do not require any control measures.

8. plant protection products

Plant protection products are intended to protect plants and plant products from harmful organisms. However, they can also harbour risks and dangers for 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 implementation of Union law in the area of protected geographical indications, protected designations of origin, traditional specialities guaranteed and geographical indications for spirits is determined by the EU Quality Regulations Implementation Act on the basis of the national organisation of controls of these Community-regulated claims. The aim of the controls is to protect consumers from deception, falsification and fraud. At the same time, the controls contribute to market transparency and fair competition.

5. animal by-products

6. animal welfare