The state is obliged to monitor that the consumed food in our diet is safe despite its origin. To this end, the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture develops requirements and legislation and organises national inspection and monitoring of the food chain.
In order to ensure food safety, the Ministry develops legislation related to food hygiene, food additives and contaminants and labelling, food contact materials and articles, novel foods and genetically modified organisms and other food groups or participates in the development of this legislation in the European Union decision-making process.
Additionally, the Ministry is responsible for the communication related to the international food standards programme Codex Alimentarius in Estonia and coordinates cooperation with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Commission and the food supervisory authority of the Member States of the European Union.
Authorities and agencies
Agriculture and Food Board
The Agriculture and Food Board organises the monitoring of the food processing chain.
National Centre for Laboratory Research and Risk Assessment (LABRIS)
The Centre carries out laboratory research to diagnose animal diseases and tests to check the safety and quality of food, water, feed, and alcohol, and performs the duties of the national reference laboratory and the authorised laboratory in the relevant fields.
Central Laboratory of the Health Board
The Laboratory carries out analyses on food contact materials and articles.
Last updated: 23.10.2024
