Order No. 558 on the functions and powers of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.

The Order sets rules regarding the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries authority and administrative functions in Denmark, whereby the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration - an agency under the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries monitors, advises and implements the Ministry's policy on food and veterinary issues (including animal welfare and feed). It prepares bills and lays down administrative regulations, guidance, plans and programmes making individual cases decisions in accordance with national rules and EU legislations in areas assigned to the Agency. The Agency is headed by a Director, a number of deputy directors and a veterinary director and may also monitor livestock health and wildlife. It shall preside and provide secretariat functions to the Danish Codex Alimentarius Committee (1), the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Advisory Committee for Diseases in Aquaculture - DRUD - (2) and to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Advisory Committee for Control Costs (3).
The Veterinary Director shall perform the following administrative functions: monitoring of international trade to/from third countries requiring special certification of health (1). Represent European Union issues concerning animal health conditions (2). Represent Denmark in the International Organisation on Animal Health OIE (3) and represent Denmark in the European Foot and Mouth Disease Commission (FAO).
The following powers are conferred on the Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries under the Fisheries Act and shall be exercised by the Director of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration to regulate and implement measures to fulfill certain EU regulations.