NVWA

Organisation

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) monitors animal and plant health, animal welfare, and the safety of food and consumer products, as well as enforcing nature legislation. The NVWA is an independent agency in the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and a delivery agency for the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

Tasks

The three main tasks of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority are: supervision, risk assessment and risk communication. Other important activities are incident and crisis management and policy advice for the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. A significant part of its work involves liaising with other ministries. Maintaining international contacts is also of vital importance.

Goals, risks analysis and enforcement

Consumers must be able to trust the safety of food and other products, which is why entrepreneurs are required to comply with national and international laws and regulations. The NVWA ensures this compliance, as well as making sure animals and nature are treated responsibly. The NVWA also looks into the biggest risks to humans, animals, and nature, carrying out assessments and taking action where necessary. Our enforcement involves inspections, communication, and investigations, and aims to facilitate compliance. The NVWA also plays an important role in export inspections and the import of products to Europe. Our core values are transparency, reliability, independence, and leadership.