Departments

Department of Food Policy

Ministry of Agriculture and Food

The Department of Food Policy is responsible for following up on the Food Act, the Animal Welfare Act, the Animal Health Personnel Act, the Dog Act, and the Animal Breeding Act. Much of the legislation in the food sector is harmonized within the EEA. The department is responsible for implementing the EEA Agreement in several areas. It also handles issues related to the WTO/SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary measures under the WTO). Oversight of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority is also part of the department’s responsibilities.

The department consists of the following sections

  • Animal Health, Animal Welfare, and Consumer Interests (DDF)

    This section is responsible for animal welfare and animal health, as well as issues related to predators/grazing animals and border control. It also follows up on the Food Act and regulations related to food labeling, traceability, and quality throughout the food chain, as well as protected designations and business development. In addition, the section oversees the Animal Health Personnel Act, veterinary coverage, veterinary medicines, and work on antimicrobial resistance and the One Health approach.

  • Food Production, EEA, and International Cooperation (MEI)

    This section manages the department’s international portfolio in the food sector, with a focus on the EEA Agreement, WTO/SPS, and free trade agreements. It is responsible for regulations related to animal breeding and plant-based food production, including plant health, seeds, plant protection products, and fertilizers. The section also works on food waste, genetic technology, animal feed, and organic regulations, in addition to the Dog Act. It is also responsible for the department’s emergency preparedness portfolio.