Food safety and public health

A selection of Swiss cheese.
Food is one of the most traded commodities in the world. It is central that they are safe and hygiene standards are maintained. © Swiss PDO-PGI Association

In 2008, the Federal Council decided on a mandate for negotiations in the areas of agriculture, food safety, product safety and public health. However, negotiations were actually conducted in the areas of food safety and public health. The negotiations were coordinated by the Directorate for European Affairs of the FDFA and later by the Europe Division.

Food Safety

Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO

  • Cooperation with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
  • Participation in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)

Public health

Federal Office of Public Health FOPH

  • Cooperation with the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC)
  • Participation in the Early Warning Response System (EWRS)
  • Inclusion in the new EU-wide mechanism in the event of serious cross-border health threats
  • Participation in the EU Multiannual Health Programme