Livsmedelsverket

Livsmedelsverket, commonly known as the Swedish Food Agency, is a Swedish government agency responsible for food safety, nutrition, and consumer protection in Sweden. It operates under the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation and coordinates with other public authorities to safeguard public health and inform consumers about diet and food safety.

The agency’s mandate includes risk assessment and risk management of foods, supervision and control of food production, processing, distribution, and import, and enforcement of labeling, nutrition information, and health claim rules. It evaluates and authorizes food additives and processing aids, monitors chemical contaminants and residues, and oversees aspects of animal feed quality and foodborne illness surveillance. In addition, Livsmedelsverket coordinates official controls, conducts inspections, and can issue recalls or safety alerts when problems are identified.

Organization is headed by a Director-General and typically divided into divisions focusing on food safety and quality, nutrition and consumer information, and enforcement operations. It maintains laboratories, collaborates with regional units, and works with national and international partners to implement food safety and nutrition policy.

History and context note that Livsmedelsverket was established in the late 2000s as part of a government reorganization of Sweden’s food safety authorities, creating a consolidated body to oversee the sector. The agency operates within the framework of European Union food law, implementing EU regulations in Sweden and participating in EU-level risk assessment and policy development.

Public information: The agency provides consumer guidance on safe food handling, nutrition, and food labeling through its website and publications, and offers resources aimed at informing Swedish households and professionals.