What Oiva is:

• Oiva provides a way to inform consumers about the control results of food industry operators.

• The inspection results for the food industry operators are published by using emoticons (smileys) on this website as the food control authorities conduct their inspections.

• In the Oiva system, the food control authorities evaluate the food safety of companies.

• Oiva is a publication system for food-control inspection information coordinated by the Finnish Food Authority.

What Oiva is not:

• Oiva is not about evaluating the level of customer service or other services or the taste of food.

• Oiva does not amend legislative requirements or provide interpretations of regulations.

• Matters inspected in companies do not change on the basis of inspections carried out in line with the Oiva system.

The Oiva system

• Oiva is a publication system for food-control inspection information coordinated by the Finnish Food Authority. Inspection on the basis of the Oiva system are conducted by the municipal food inspectors and veterinary inspectors in accordance with the control plan.

• The control results are published as the municipal food inspectors conduct the inspections. In the Oiva system, the company’s food safety, such as food hygiene and product safety, is evaluated using emoticons. In order to obtain the best smile, you are required to adhere to the law. Whenever Oiva smiles, the consumer can be sure that the company is on top of food safety.

• The Oiva system makes the inspection procedures more uniform, because the food inspectors around Finland conduct the inspection in accordance with the same Oiva evaluation guidelines. The inspections become more targeted and quicker, and the risk-based aspect of the inspections is emphasized. The inspections are also primarily carried out without any advance notification. Issues to be inspected in companies do not change due to inspections carried out in line with the Oiva system.

• The publication of the control information aims to increase the transparency of control and to provide consumers access to the food-control inspection results. The goal is also to increase awareness of food control and to enhance its effectiveness. Oiva encourages companies to ensure their food hygiene and product safety. This also opens up a possibility for the companies to inform consumers about their operation.

If you have any questions regarding Oiva:

• Municipal inspectors are acquainted with the local food businesses to be controlled. Contact information for municipal food control authorities can be found on the Finnish Food Authority website; Ruokavirasto.fi. Many control units also have their email addresses on the website.