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2025.10.24
Reference response to the Ministry of Rural Affairs and Infrastructure
SWETIC's Response to the Consultation on the Report A review of the control organization and financing of control in the food chain to simplify matters for companies (SOU 2025:64)
Swetic welcomes the report's goals of increased efficiency, equity and competitiveness. We share the view that food control needs to be developed to meet future demands, strengthen consumer confidence and create fair conditions for the business community.
Swetic's recommendations and contributions
1. Impartiality and credibility
By involving accredited inspection bodies, which operate under clear internationally accepted guidelines and requirements for impartiality, the inspection system can be strengthened in terms of transparency and trust.
2. Alignment and harmonization
Accredited bodies already work with uniform procedures, regulatory oversight and internationally recognized standards. This provides the opportunity for increased equivalence across the country and creates more harmonized control, something that is in demand by both authorities and the business community.
3. Competence and experience
Swetic's members possess deep industry expertise and extensive experience from the food and packaging industry. Our auditors meet training requirements in food safety, animal health and other food-critical areas, and are used to working in complex control systems, which can contribute to high quality and continuity in food control.
4. Efficiency and resource use
By using resources from accredited bodies, control can be more cost-effective, especially in situations with varying needs or limited local resources. In addition, duplication of work can be reduced when controls are coordinated with approved third-party certifications already carried out and according to the Finnish Food Authority's Risk Classification Model.
5. Existing infrastructure and working examples
There are already established models for delegated control that work well, for example in organic production on behalf of government agencies. Digital reporting systems and infrastructure for such collaboration are already in place and can be built upon.
Swetic supports the focus of the report and wants to be an active partner in the work of developing the future of food control. By taking advantage of the expertise, impartiality and efficiency that accredited control bodies offer, the control system can be further strengthened and contribute to a credible, equitable and modern control organization.
