Latvia: food inspections

In Latvia the app follows the EU hygiene rules and the Food Circulation Supervision Law; Latvian law sets no kitchen temperatures, and the PVD inspects.

Inspection body

Food and Veterinary Service (Pārtikas un veterinārais dienests, PVD)

The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) is the one national authority (Food Circulation Supervision Law, art. 21). Visits are risk-based, unannounced and follow the PVD’s yearly control programme.

After a visit the PVD gives a deadline to fix small faults and can fine (naudas sods) for breaches. It can stop or suspend the activity if there is a direct health threat. For the main offence (art. 29) the fine is up to EUR 500 for a person and EUR 20–1,500 for a company (fine unit EUR 5). Start-up needs registration with the PVD, not a licence (Food Law art. 5).

Hygiene rating

Latvia has no public hygiene rating, sticker or score, and nothing has to be displayed. The PVD keeps a public register of businesses only. The aim is a visit with no faults.