CVUA-MEL

The Chemische und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe (CVUA-MEL) is a public law institution that focuses on the safety of food, feed and consumer goods. The CVUA-MEL is supported by the districts and independent cities of the Münster administrative district and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

• Food and Feed Examinations: The CVUA-MEL analyzes samples of plant and animal foods as well as feed to ensure that they meet legal requirements.
• Examination of Consumer Goods: This includes household dishes, food packaging and toys that come into contact with food.
• Veterinary Diagnostic Procedures: A variety of diagnostic procedures are carried out to determine the causes of illness or death in livestock and pets.
• Radiation Protection and Veterinary Drug Analysis: These areas are also part of the comprehensive services of the CVUA-MEL.

The main mission of the CVUA-MEL is to protect consumers from health hazards, deception and misleading information. In addition, animal health is maintained and the early detection of epidemics is promoted. The offices are, as Minister Ursula Heinen-Esser emphasizes, "the silent guarantors of health consumer protection" in North Rhine-Westphalia[3][5].

Although specific sustainability goals are not explicitly mentioned, the CVUA-MEL contributes to the safety and quality of food and feed through its work. This indirectly promotes sustainable food production and consumption by ensuring that products meet legal requirements.

The CVUA-MEL has merged its locations in Recklinghausen and Münster to improve efficiency and collaboration[3][5]. These measures contribute to a more efficient use of resources and thus indirectly support sustainable practices in the area of food monitoring.