Estonia: food inspections

In Estonia the app follows the Food Act and the EU hygiene rules; the law sets no kitchen temperatures, so the numbers come from the PTA’s catering own-check guide, and the PTA inspects.

Inspection body

Agriculture and Food Board (Põllumajandus- ja Toiduamet, PTA)

The Agriculture and Food Board (PTA) is the one national food authority, with regional offices (Food Act § 47). It inspects restaurants and cafés. Visits are risk-based and unannounced.

After a visit the PTA gives an explanation with time to fix small faults, an order (ettekirjutus) for serious faults, or starts misdemeanour proceedings. Dangerous food can be stopped by an order (Food Act § 49). Fines run from EUR 1,200 to EUR 3,200 for most breaches, for example EUR 1,600 (person) or EUR 2,600 (company) for breaking food rules; running without the required notice can cost up to EUR 2,400 or EUR 3,200 (Food Act §§ 53¹–53⁶). A normal restaurant needs no licence, only a business activity notice (majandustegevusteade) to the PTA.

Hygiene rating

Estonia has no public hygiene rating, sticker or score, and nothing has to be displayed. The aim is a visit with no faults.