Presidential Decree № 1681 on general principles and structure of the Food Safety Agency.

This Presidential Decree sets forth provisions on the general principles of the Food Safety Agency in Annex-I and the structure of the Agency in Annex-II. The President decrees to establish a Food Safety Institute under the Food Safety Agency. The Institute shall be responsible for conducting scientific studies and risk assessments on food safety and international food standards, carrying out food quality controls in accordance with the food safety indicators, and updating existing legislative acts on food safety. The main areas of activity of the Food Safety Agency are to issue food safety, phytosanitary and veterinary certificates, ensure consumer protection, carry out food safety control at production, supply, processing, labeling, storage, transportation, import and export processes, and determine policies in the field of food safety and quality. This Decree states that food quality control in accordance with the hygienic requirements stresses on plant and animal health, hazardous substances, GMO and residues.