The Agency for Health and Food Security GmbH (AGES) was founded in 2002 in accordance with the Health and Food Security Act and is owned by the Republic of Austria. Its responsibilities extend to the areas of nutrition and food safety, human and animal health, drug supervision and radiation protection.

AGES itself does not act as an authority. The Federal Office for Food Safety and the Federal Office for Safety in the Health Care System, which carry out official tasks in the areas mentioned, are subordinate to it. In addition, AGES is also responsible for the office for veterinary certification.