Hämeenlinna food control supervises food businesses in the Hämeenlinna and Hattula areas. The goal of the supervision is to ensure that food sold and served in the municipality is of high quality, safe, and traceable. The supervision protects consumers from health hazards and financial losses that may be caused by, for example, defective or misleading products.
The role of food control
Municipal food control ensures that food sector operators comply with legislation and that their self-monitoring functions properly.
Supervision is carried out at all stages of the food chain. Supervision includes:
regular inspections of operations
guidance and advice
when necessary, orders to comply with regulations
If an operator does not correct identified deficiencies after receiving guidance, food control may use administrative enforcement measures. The operator is responsible for the costs arising from enforcement decisions.
Supervision is carried out on a risk-based approach
In the municipality, food control is carried out systematically according to an annually approved supervision plan. Supervision is planned on a risk-based approach. The number of inspections and other supervisory measures depend on, for example:
the scope of operations
the nature of operations
the functionality of the supervised entity’s self-monitoring
Responsibility for safety lies with the food business operator
The food business operator is always responsible for food safety and compliance with regulations. The entrepreneur’s obligation is to ensure that:
operations meet legislative requirements
food is safe throughout its entire lifecycle
self-monitoring is planned and implemented so that food safety is not weakened or compromised
Well-implemented self-monitoring and compliant operations improve the operating conditions and competitiveness of food businesses. They also help reduce financial risks, such as costs from recalls and reputational damage.
Supervision results are published
Food control inspection results are published on the Oivahymy website: www.oivahymy.fi
Food business operators must display the Oiva report from the most recent inspection at the entrance to the food establishment if consumers visit the premises. The three most recent Oiva reports must also be displayed on the company’s website if food is marketed there. Alternatively, a link to the food business’s Oiva reports on the Oivahymy website may be placed on the website.
