Inspection visits: ensuring food safety

When you see them walk through the door, you get nervous, even if everything is clean and under control: staff with hair tied back, clean hands, and up-to-date self-control records. The visit from inspectors of the Food Safety and Environment Area of the Ministry of Health is a bit nerve-wracking… or not?

These visits are necessary. Not all food-handling establishments maintain the same standards, and minimum safety requirements must be guaranteed, as food can be a source of illness. More than a fine, the health of your clients is at stake.

Last year, 1,387 inspections were carried out (in bars and restaurants, shops, supermarkets, catering services, food industries...) according to the 2018 report presented by the Ministry of Health on June 7, coinciding with the first World Food Safety Day. Most visits (1,138) were routine and official; 227 were at the request of establishments, such as new openings, change of ownership, or activity expansion.

Some visits were less pleasant: 7 due to reported outbreaks of foodborne illness, and 12 due to complaints or claims. 11 establishments faced sanction procedures.

Many of these situations could have been avoided by following good food handling practices. Foodborne illnesses are often caused by poor hygiene or incorrect food handling.