Regulation No. 1790 on distribution of authority under the Act relative to food production and food safety, etc. (the Food Act).

The present Regulation lays down rules on distribution of authority under the Food Act to the Ministry of Health and Care Services; Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries; and Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
The Annex contains the proposal for the Crown Prince Regent's resolution on delegation and distribution of authority under the Food Act, in the context of a major reform in the food sector from January 1, 2004. The main purpose of the reform is to ensure continued food safety and enhance efforts for Norwegian consumers. The most significant change is to place greater emphasis on the entire food chain perspective and establish a holistic management approach from fjord/field to table. The reform consists of four main elements: 1. Modernization of legislation and other regulations.; 2. Restructuring of departmental responsibilities - both professionally and administratively; 3. Establishment of a new common supervisory authority for all food production (The Norwegian Food Safety Authority - Mattilsynet); and 4. Reorganization of the support functions of Mattilsynet, including the establishment of an independent scientific committee responsible for conducting risk assessments. The goals of the government are: (1) To ensure that food and beverages produced and/or sold are safe for consumers' health; (2) To ensure that the supply of food is conducted in an honest manner; (3) To ensure that the quality of food products conforms to national and international standards; (4) To maintain good animal health, plant health, and animal welfare in Norway; and (5) To achieve a more cost-effective administration than what exists today.