Control fees and quality systems have improved food control as perceived by local food control officers in Finland

Perceptions of local food control officers on introducing control fees and quality systems into local food control systems were studied in 2010 and compared with the situation in Finland in 2006. Government-regulated intra-regional cooperation, which was a significant organisational change during this same time period, was also evaluated. Most (94%) of the officers supported control fees in 2010 and the fears in 2006 about an increase in the number of complaints about officers' work and less time for counselling food business operators (FBOs) were significantly decreased in 2010. Introducing control fees were perceived by 75% of officers to have had a positive influence on in-house control systems of FBOs. The hourly fees collected in 2010 (range 32-56 euros) were significantly higher than those anticipated in 2006 (range 21-45 euros). Although significantly more local food control units had quality systems in place in 2010 (41%) than in 2006 (24%), they were less common in intra-regional cooperation areas than in single municipalities. Based on our results, the introduction of control fees is not only a financial tool but may also improve food control at the local level.

► Food control officials support intra-regional cooperation and control fees. ► Control fees did not increase food business operators' complaints. ► Control fees have had positive influence on the quality of food controls. ► Control fees have had positive influence on the quality of in-house control systems.