CT Dept of Agriculture – Bureau of Regulatory Services – Hartford, CT

Bureau of Regulatory Services – CT Dept of Agriculture

Agricultural Inspection and Compliance

The Bureau of Regulatory Services, a division of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural products in the state. Operating out of the department’s headquarters on Columbus Boulevard, this bureau is responsible for a wide range of inspection and enforcement activities. Its primary mission is to protect public health and animal welfare through rigorous oversight of food production, animal feed, and agricultural commerce. The bureau enforces state statutes and regulations concerning the production, processing, and sale of milk, poultry, eggs, and livestock.

• Food Safety & Inspection: Conducts inspections of small shell egg processing plants and poultry facilities to ensure compliance with health standards.
• Feed & Fertilizer Control: Regulates the sale and distribution of commercial animal feed and fertilizers to prevent adulteration and ensure accurate labeling.
• Animal Health: Monitors livestock for infectious diseases and enforces import/export regulations for animals entering or leaving the state.
• Animal Control: Oversees municipal animal control officers and manages the state’s dog licensing and animal population control programs.

Industry Support and Consumer Protection

In addition to enforcement, the bureau provides guidance to farmers and producers to help them meet state and federal regulatory requirements. This includes the administration of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program and other initiatives designed to strengthen the local food supply chain. The division also investigates consumer complaints regarding agricultural products and animal care facilities. By maintaining high standards for agricultural commodities, the Bureau of Regulatory Services supports both the viability of Connecticut’s farm economy and the safety of its consumers.