Food Safety Inspection; Conducting Facility and Product Inspections

The federal states are responsible for food safety inspections. In Bavaria, operational responsibility lies with the district administrative authorities (district offices and municipalities not belonging to a district) and the Food Safety and Veterinary Inspection Authority.

Food safety inspections are conducted on a risk-based approach at establishments where food is produced, processed, or placed on the market—such as manufacturing facilities, restaurants, food wholesalers and retailers, importers, snack bars, and weekly markets. Among other things, these inspections assess food hygiene in these establishments.

Another important aspect of food inspection is the risk-based testing of various products. To this end, the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) develops sampling plans. After conducting various tests, the experts at the LGL prepare a report in which they present the findings, including an assessment under food law and, where applicable, a toxicological evaluation. Based on this report, the district administrative authorities decide on any measures that may need to be taken.

A hotline for consumer complaints and confidential reports is available (see “Further Links”).

In the event of consumer complaints, it is advisable to report the issue promptly to the official food safety authorities and to keep the product in question on hand.