The Ministry of Health (SAM) is responsible for health policy and food safety in Lithuania. The SAM prepares draft legislation in the area of food and food safety, taking into account scientific assessments of risks to human health. The SAM's portfolio includes food additives, food supplements, maximum permitted concentrations of contaminants in food, addition of vitamins, minerals and other substances to foods, foods for particular dietary uses, irradiated food, genetically modified food, novel food and food contact materials. The SAM also stipulates mandatory requirements to protect the consumer, i.e. food labelling and use of nutrition and health claims. It also stipulates mandatory requirements with regard to the health of persons handling food, required health examination procedures and obligatory hygiene training.

The National Public Health Surveillance Laboratory (NVSPL) is attached to SAM in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 2017/625.