The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) is responsible for agricultural policy and food safety. In the field of food safety the BMEL prepares draft legislation and issues ordinances. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a specialist authority within the portfolio of the BMEL. It contributes to the enforcement of legislation by undertaking statutory risk assessments and advises political circles. On management issues, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) undertakes preparatory work for the BMEL.The portfolio of the BMEL also encompasses other federal research institutions such as the Max Rubner-Institut (MRI) in the field of nutrition and food.
