Luxembourg
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Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 and the national law from 28 July 2018 introducing the control systems and sanctions related to food safety are the central legal foundations for food legislation in Luxembourg. 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 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).
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.
Directorate of Public Health
| Name | Directorate of Public Health |
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| Acronym | DIR SAN |
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| Location | Strassen |
| URL | http://www.sante.public.lu |
The Directorate of Public Health (DIR SAN) is subordinate to the MS. The Division of Food Safety (SECUALIM) within DIR SAN operates under the MPC and is responsible for risk assessments and the implementation of state food safety controls in the area of food hygiene, HACCP, microbiological agents, contaminants, pesticide residues, GMOs, novel food, food supplements, food additives, special dietary food, food labelling, food contact material, irradiation, import of food and beverages of non-animal origin.
In the area of food hygiene, SECUALIM closely collaborates with the customs administration. Common procedures and checklists are in place for inspection and control activities.
The Division of Pharmacy and Medicines (DPM) within DIR SAN is responsible for risk assessments and the implementation of state food safety controls in the area of medicated feed and medicinal products. DPM is one of the regulatory authorities for the approval of veterinary medicinal products.
Regional and local levels
Feed, food and other types of 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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