Netherlands: food inspections

In the European Netherlands, Chef Hygiene follows the Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en behandeling van levensmiddelen, EU Regulation 852/2004 and the KHN Hygiënecode voor de Horeca; the NVWA inspects.

Inspection body

Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit, NVWA)

The NVWA inspects restaurants and takeaways for food safety. The municipality (gemeente) handles permits, the alcohol licence and local fire safety enforcement.

Visits are unannounced and based on risk. You must let the inspector in. A medium breach brings an official warning, and in hospitality a second one is followed by an administrative fine. A serious breach brings a fine at once and a re-inspection. Three or more serious breaches in 2 years mean verscherpt toezicht (stricter supervision), and the NVWA can then close the business.

Hygiene rating

Yes, but there is no sticker. The NVWA publishes every result online under the Gezondheidswet, art. 44: Voldoet, Verbeterpunten vastgesteld, Verscherpt toezicht or Geen recente gegevens. A result stays online for at most 2 years.