The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is a Government Department that has overall responsibility for the food chain in England, and for ensuring that the government discharges its responsibilities in relation to food. Together with its executive agencies Defra is responsible for legislation, implementation and monitoring of general food policy including: the functioning and regulation of the agri-food supply chain; risks to the aggregate food supply; consumer confidence in food including through food information and standards; impacts on food businesses and the sustainability of the agri-food system. Defra also has responsibilities for the environment, rural communities, animal health, animal welfare and plant health.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is an executive agency of Defra responsible for, amongst other things, assessment, issue, and maintenance of all national marketing authorizations for veterinary medicinal products; surveillance for residues of veterinary medicines and illegal substances in animals and animal products; and coordinating work in the area of anti-microbial resistance.

The Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) part of the Health and Safety Executive is the regulatory authority for pesticides on behalf of Defra and the devolved governments in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. CRD carries out an official programme of pesticide residues testing of food in the UK and publishes the results on a quarterly basis. CRD and local authorities are also responsible for taking appropriate enforcement action.

Some of Defra’s duties, for instance, in the field of legislation, implementation and inspection, are delegated to the Agriculture/Rural Affairs Departments in the Devolved Administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Defra publishes risk assessments in the field of animal health and welfare. Furthermore, it cooperates, where appropriate, with FSA working groups. Defra is responsible for all aspects of water policy in England and works closely with the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which is responsible for regulating the quality of drinking water. There are similar arrangements in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.