Spain: food inspections

In Spain, Chef Hygiene follows Real Decreto 3484/2000 on prepared meals, Real Decreto 126/2015 on allergens and EU Regulation 852/2004; the autonomous communities and town councils inspect restaurants.

Inspection body

Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición, AESAN)

AESAN coordinates national food safety policy and gives guidance, but it does not inspect restaurants itself. The autonomous communities (such as Catalonia, Madrid and Andalusia) and the town councils carry out the on-site inspections. Each region has its own health department.

Faults are graded as minor, serious or very serious (Ley 17/2011 and regional laws). A minor fault can bring a warning or a small fine. Serious faults bring higher fines and corrective action, and can lead to temporary closure (cierre cautelar). The owner can appeal.

Hygiene rating

There is no national public hygiene rating, sticker or star system. Some regions or town councils publish inspection results online, but this is not the same across Spain.