The 10 Experimental Zooprophylactic Institutes (IZSs) are official laboratories operating at the local and national level as technical and scientific public sector bodies of the Italian National Health Service, under the supervsion of the Competent Authorities (Ministry of Health and Regions). One of the activities carried out by the IZSs consists in supporting inspections and quality controls of food products and packaging, at the request of the Ministry of Health or the Regions.

All the official laboratories, including those mentioned in the ‘Regional and local levels’ section, are accredited for specific activities by the National Accreditation Body (ACCREDIA), nominated by the government under Regulation (EC) No. 765/2008 and operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.