The ONSSA is a public institution, under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fishing, Rural Development and Water and Forests, created by Law No. 25-08 and endowed with legal personality and financial autonomy. Subject to the powers devolved by the legislation and regulations in force to the ministerial departments or other bodies, the office exercises on behalf of the State the powers relating to the protection of consumer health and the preservation of the health of animals and plants.