In Germany the central legal foundation for food legislation is the Food and Feed Code (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch). Infringement of food regulations can lead to measures under criminal law and consumer damage claims under civil law, whereby the final decision rests with the courts. Government measures with regard to food safety are often based on scientific risk assessment. However, the final decision on the legality of governmental measures rests with the courts.
The BMUV is responsible for preventing food safety risks resulting from anthropogenic impacts from the air, water and soil (environmental contaminants). The ministry’s work is supported by specialist authorities within its remit; these include the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA), the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). Effective environmental protection is key for the production of healthy, largely uncontaminated food. The BMEL is responsible for all other areas of food safety. The BfR and the BVL, the competent technical authorities in food safety, support the BMEL and the BMUV in the performance of their respective tasks.
In Germany risk assessment and risk management are institutionally separated at federal level. At regional level, however, (i. e. in the 16 federal states) risk assessment and risk management are not institutionally separated. In Germany, food safety laws are enacted at federal level, however, implementation and control at the regional level is the responsibility of the 16 federal states.
Risk assessments are usually published on the Internet unless there are statutory provisions that prohibit this.
Latest revision as of 10:06, 28 September 2023
The BMUV is responsible for preventing food safety risks resulting from anthropogenic impacts from the air, water and soil (environmental contaminants). The ministry’s work is supported by specialist authorities within its remit; these include the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA), the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). Effective environmental protection is key for the production of healthy, largely uncontaminated food. The BMEL is responsible for all other areas of food safety. The BfR and the BVL, the competent technical authorities in food safety, support the BMEL and the BMUV in the performance of their respective tasks.
