Key facts
Food safety involves a multitude of stakeholders. Some 136,000 companies active in the food industry and in food production must ensure that their goods comply with the legal requirements and do not pose any health risks to consumers. These companies have a duty of self-regulation. The authorities are responsible for official risk-based inspections and the cantonal chemists are tasked with conducting them. They carry out around 40,000 inspections at businesses each year. The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), with the support of the Federal Food Chain Unit (FFCU), is responsible for monitoring and coordinating the implementation of the relevant legislation.