Biosafety
Biosafety aims to protect people and the environment when genetically modified, pathogenic or alien organisms are handled.
The essential mission of the FOPH in the field of Biosafety consists in implementing the Containment Ordinance (ContainO, SR 814.912), which regulates the handling of genetically modified, pathogenic and alien organisms in contained systems (e.g. laboratories). Additional tasks include the assessment of experimental releases and clinical tests with therapeutic products that contain genetically modified microorganisms. The risk to humans is the highest priority.
The following links provide information on the use of genetically modified, pathogenic or alien organisms in contained systems, on the import of pathogenic organisms for human beings, on the eradication of polio(myelitis) and on tasks involving the FOPH in these areas.
Further information
Further information
Notifications and authorisations in the field of biosafety
The handling of genetically modified, pathogenic or alien organisms is subject to the notification or authorisation obligation. Here is information on the notification and authorisation procedures pursuant to the ContainO.
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Biosafety, Human Genetics and Reproductive Medicine Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern