Luxembourg:Luxembourg
Last updated on 8 April 2024.
* Host institution of the national EFSA Focal Point. For information on the EFSA Focal Point network, please see the EFSA website.
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Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 and the national laws of 8 September 2022 creating and organising the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration and of 26 April 2022 on official controls of agricultural products are the central legal foundations for food legislation in Luxembourg. Infringement of food regulations can lead to criminal penalties as well as emergency measures and administrative measures. Government measures with regard to food safety are often based on scientific risk assessments. However, the final decision on the legality of governmental measures rests with the courts.
In Luxembourg, there is no institutional separation of risk assessment from risk management.
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture
| Name | Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture |
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| Acronym | MAAV |
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| Location | Luxembourg |
| URL | https://www.agriculture.public.lu |
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture (MAAV) deals with agricultural policy and prepares draft legislation in specific areas of food and feed safety and food quality as well as animal health and welfare. As with all ministries, the MAAV is supported by competent authorities, such as the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) and Agricultural Technical Services Administration (ASTA).
The portfolio of the MAAV incorporates areas regarding the whole food chain including food and feed safety, plant health, plant protection products, animal health and welfare, and food quality (EU quality schemes, national labels and marketing standards).
The Directorate for Consumer Protection of MAAV deals with general consumer protection policy and is in charge of the legislation in this area.
Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration
| Name | Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration |
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| Acronym | ALVA |
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| Location | Strassen, Ettelbruck, Dudelange |
| URL | https://www.agriculture.public.lu |
The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) is a subordinate authority within the portfolio of the MAAV and responsible for implementation of state inspections concerning food and feed safety and animal health and welfare. Policy and management measures of the ministry regarding the safety of the food chain are based on risk assessments prepared by the ALVA (and ASTA).
The remit of food and feed safety includes food hygiene and HACCP, microbiological agents, contaminants, residues of plant protection products and veterinary medicinal products, novel foods, special dietary food, food labelling, food contact materials, irradiation, food additives, food supplements, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), mineral waters and bottled water. ALVA is also responsible for controls regarding the import of food (including beverages) and animals.
In the area of food and feed hygiene and import controls, ALVA closely collaborates with the customs administration. Common procedures and checklists are in place for inspection and control activities. ALVA is also responsible for the coordination of official food and feed inspections in the framework of the Multi-Annual National Control Plan (MANCP). It is the contact point for BTSF, RASFF, AAC, the Food Fraud Network and INFOSAN. ALVA also provides the national Head of Food Safeties Agencies (HoA).
Animal health and welfare checks are carried out on livestock and pets, for private individuals, operators, at assembly centres and during national transport. ALVA also carries out checks on animal welfare complaints and is responsible for managing the identification of livestock and horses.
ALVA provides the Chief Veterinary Officer and is also contact point for World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
ALVA is active in several EFSA scientific networks and also Management Board, Advisory Forum and Focal Point.
Agricultural Technical Services Administration
| Name | Agricultural Technical Services Administration |
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| Acronym | ASTA |
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| Location | Luxembourg, Ettelbruck |
| URL | https://www.agriculture.public.lu |
The Agricultural Technical Services Administration (ASTA) is a subordinate authority within the portfolio of the MAAV and responsible for risk assessments and implementation of state inspections plant protection products, the EU quality labels PDO, PGI and TSG, organic farming and marketing standards. The ASTA is the regulatory authority for the approval of plant protection products. The ASTA is responsible for certain aspects in primary production controls and the import of plants. Policy and management measures of the ministry regarding the safety of the food chain are based on risk assessments prepared by ASTA (and ALVA).
ASTA is active in several EFSA scientific networks and also Management Board and Advisory Forum. ASTA provides the Chief Plant Health Officer.
Regional and local levels
All inspections are implemented by central authorities.
Article 36 institutions
| Institutions involved in the EFSA network pursuant to Article 36 Reg. (EC) No. 178/2002 |
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