Toidukaitseamet

The Toidukaitseamet, or Veterinary and Food Board, was an Estonian governmental agency responsible for overseeing food safety and animal health. It was established in 2000 and operated under the Ministry of Agriculture. The primary mission of the Toidukaitseamet was to ensure the safety of food products for human and animal consumption, as well as to protect animal welfare and prevent the spread of animal diseases.

The agency's responsibilities included conducting inspections of food businesses, agricultural producers, and veterinary practices. It also played a crucial role in the surveillance and control of animal diseases, implementing measures to prevent outbreaks and protect livestock. Furthermore, the Toidukaitseamet was involved in consumer protection by providing information on food safety and animal health issues.

In 2020, the Toidukaitseamet, along with other agencies, was reorganized and its functions were largely transferred to the newly established Estonian Veterinary and Food Laboratory and the Estonian Environment Agency. This consolidation aimed to streamline government operations and improve the efficiency of regulatory oversight. The legacy of the Toidukaitseamet lies in its significant contribution to maintaining high standards of food safety and animal health in Estonia during its operational period.