Our mission: Human and animal safety
We ensure that foods are safe and that animals live healthy lives and are treated with dignity. We control animal diseases, monitor the international trade in foodstuffs and animals, provide information on healthy diets and protect consumers from risks and misleading practices.
Committed to human and animal health
Every day, we help ensure that our food is safe and work to protect animal health and welfare. Our work is based on scientific evidence and follows the One Health principle: that the health of people, animals and the environment are inextricably linked.
We work with the cantons, the science community, industry, and international partners to implement laws effectively, recognise risks early and contain animal diseases.
More information: One Health (in French)
Knowledge builds trust
We work on the basis of scientific evidence and the applicable legal framework – from the Foodstuffs Act and the Epizootic Diseases Act to the Animal Welfare Act. This also includes international agreements that govern the safe trade of foodstuffs, animals and products.
We help shape the legislation, coordinate its implementation and ensure that it is applied consistently throughout Switzerland.
“We ensure safety today so that trust remains a given tomorrow”.
Science and control go hand in hand
We have two strong partners in the Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) and the Federal Food Chain Unit (FFCU):
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI: The IVI develops innovative solutions to detect viral animals diseases and zoonoses early, combat them, and curb their spread. More: Website of the Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI
- Federal Food Chain Unit (FFCU): The FFCU ensures that foods are safe throughout the food chain. More: Federal Food Chain Unit (FFCU)
The IVI and FFCU work together to help detect animal diseases early and to guarantee food safety.
Taking responsibility for tomorrow
New animal diseases, global trade and climate change present challenges. We connect science, legislation and practice to guarantee lasting safety and trust.
We act with responsibility, foresight and commitment today – to ensure food safety, animal health and animal welfare tomorrow. We also work to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
More information: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development