The main task of the Ministry of Health (VM) is to develop and implement national policy to safeguard public health and to promote disease prevention by encouraging healthy lifestyles, as well as to create conditions for citizens to receive cost-effective, accessible and quality health care services.

The VM is responsible for the development, coordination and updating of nutrition policy, analysis of the results of foodborne disease monitoring, as well as the preparation of scientific opinions in relation to solving nutrition problems and providing the public with information on current nutrition topics.

The VM is responsible for elaborating recommendations for nutrient and energy intake for different population groups in Latvia and for the development of standards for nutrient and energy intake for children in preschool and school, as well as for residents of social care houses and patients in hospitals.

The VM is involved in the monitoring of the safety and quality of drinking water, with the exception of internal water supplies for food establishments. The Nutrition Council under the VM was set up to support the activities in the field of nutrition.

The VM is constantly involved in risk communication activities at different levels.