Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office

Focus

A common food safety area CH-EU

On 20 December 2024, the Federal Council communicated on the positive conclusion of the negotiations between Switzerland and the European. The intention is to establish a common food safety area to reduce risks along the food chain and promote food safety. The agreement offers benefits for the food industry, plant and animal health and for the protection of consumers.

Eating for better health and sustainability: Federal government updates Dietary Recommendations

The FSVO has partnered with the SSN to publish new Dietary Recommendations relating to the Swiss Nutrition Policy. The new recommendations place a greater emphasis on sustainability aspects, and are illustrated in a revised Food Pyramid.

Federal Council steps up fight against antibiotic resistance

The number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is on the rise all over the world. In order to ramp up the fight against antibiotic resistance, the Federal Council adopted the new One Health Action Plan for StAR 2024-2027 as part of the Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Strategy (StAR) on 26 June 2024 to ensure the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics to preserve human and animal health.

Graureiher mit Vogelgrippevirus im Tierpark Bern aufgefunden

Crossing borders with animals – safely!

A holiday with your dog, moving countries with your cat: there are many reasons why you may need to cross a border with animals. The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) offers help on crossing borders with pets correctly on its website and warns against illegal animal imports.

Good to know

Swiss Salt Study: data for research

On request, the data from the Swiss Salt Study 2022/23 will also be made available to external researchers.
These data, provided by the FSVO, are anonymised and may only be used for non-commercial, scientific purposes.

Research to successfully combat foot rot

Disinfectant foot baths are used throughout Switzerland to combat foot root. Two effective disinfectants with no undesirable side effects are in use. These were validated as part of studies initiated by the FSVO. Findings from research are needed in order to develop a successful, national programme to combat foot rot. Consequently, the FSVO is financing various studies on foot rot.

Friends and foes of legionella – a glimpse inside your shower

Legionella exist in shower hoses alongside many other microorganisms – do they promote or fight them? LeCo characterises the microbial communities of shower hose biofilms and analyses their relationships with Legionella.

Pets from Ukraine: End of easing of entry conditions

Since the outbreak of the war, refugees from Ukraine have been able to import their dogs and cats into Switzerland more easily. As fewer pets are now being brought into the country from Ukraine, the easing of import conditions will end on 1 August 2023. From this date, the usual conditions will once again apply when importing dogs and cats from Ukraine.

More zoonoses – Hygiene is important (in French)

In 2023, the number of reported zoonoses in humans generally increased compared to the previous two years. Consumers can reduce the risk of contracting a zoonosis by practising good kitchen hygiene.
(the report)

ASF – the level of hygiene of the pigs influences the course of the disease

Research, supported by the FSVO at the Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, shows that the hygiene level of pigs plays a significant role in the course of the disease caused by the African swine fever virus. These results will help to drive the development of a vaccine.

Travelling with pets