In the food sector, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM) is responsible for the majority of public health and nutrition policy, including legislation on drinking water, GMO propagation, irradiation and radioactivity. The Board of Gene Technology at STM is responsible for coordinating activities under the EC genetic engineering directives. The STM coordinates health impact assessment related to use of nanomaterials and -technology.

The administrative sector of the STM also encompasses other government authorities such as the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), which undertakes research and risk assesment on public health and national nutrition, and the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), responsible for environmental risk assessments and other tasks. The STM additionally participates in guidance of the LVV despite it not directly operating under it.