The main task of the veterinarians and food inspectors working in this area, who are supported by administrative staff, is to protect citizens from health hazards and damage as well as from being misled and deceived by food, products of animal origin and everyday consumer goods. This always involves monitoring the safety of food and consumer goods. For example, they check whether basic hygiene rules are followed during the production or preparation of food or whether additives (e.g. allergens) in food and drinks are properly indicated on menus, etc. To this end, they are out and about in restaurants, bistros, food businesses, supermarkets, retail outlets in drugstores or at weekly markets to provide advice and carry out checks.

Why is this task so important? If, for example, the basic hygiene requirements for food are not met, they can be adversely affected. Food that is contaminated with germs or harmful substances can be harmful to health and cause illness. Even everyday items can be harmful to health. The head of the department explains: "Every citizen wants to be able to put a toothbrush in their mouth without having to worry about it adversely affecting their health. This and much more is guaranteed by consumer protection. In order to ensure that, among other things, the food on sale is not harmful to health, food monitoring staff also regularly take samples, which are then tested by a laboratory for germs and harmful substances, for example. If a laboratory test shows that a foodstuff does not meet the required standard, for example if mold has been found, the foodstuff is recalled to the extent of the sampled batch.

Members of the public who have a question or tip-off about the improper sale of food or other areas of consumer protection can call 05341/839-2420 or send an e-mail to veterinaeramtstadt.salzgitterde.

The head of the department explains: "The tasks of the veterinary department include matters relating to animal welfare, animal disease control, veterinary medicines and the disposal of animal by-products. Animal welfare serves to protect the life and well-being of animals (domestic and farm animals) and to prevent suffering. It also serves to maintain and improve the quality of food of animal origin. This involves monitoring compliance with the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act and other laws and ordinances on animal welfare matters (e.g. the size and condition of a cowshed). The purpose of animal disease control is to prevent and combat diseases, in particular animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans (zoonoses) and to protect humans from danger and harm caused by animal diseases (e.g. the spread of rabies and possible transmission to humans). The purpose of rendering is to monitor the disposal of animal carcasses - as the title suggests -, animal body parts and animal products in order to prevent risks to human and animal health and the spread of pathogens of transmissible diseases and toxic substances. The Compliance Department is also responsible for monitoring the provisions of the Lower Saxony Law on the Keeping of Dogs. This law regulates the obligations of all dog owners in Lower Saxony equally.

For information on improper animal husbandry, questions about animal welfare or other areas of veterinary matters, citizens can call 05341/839-2420 or send an e-mail to veterinaeramtstadt.salzgitterde.

Ana Greta Coordes has been a vet for more than 13 years now. She studied in Hanover and then gained experience as a practitioner in various small and large animal practices in the region. She joined the veterinary office in mid-2016 and most recently worked for the district of Helmstedt. She has been working for the city of Salzgitter since February of this year.

She explains: "I am very pleased to be able to establish the newly created specialist area in the city of Salzgitter. I am particularly excited to be able to work for the welfare of all animals in the context of animal protection. However, I am also grateful that I can also advocate for the concerns and needs of our citizens who do not keep animals as part of consumer protection. After all, we all have to eat and want to do so with pleasure and without worrying about harm to our health!"