The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture. The PVD is responsible for the realisation of the state's surveillance and control function in the area of food safety and quality, as well as in the area of food labelling throughout the entire food chain, including surveillance and border controls of food (“from the field to the table” concept). The PVD is also in charge of the registration and approval of food establishments.

If there is a threat to human life or health, the state's chief food and veterinary inspector is entitled to specify restrictions or prohibitions on the distribution of food in the territory of Latvia. The PVD is nominated as the official RASFF contact point in Latvia.