Food Safety in Stockholm: How to Report Food Poisoning and Hygiene Issues

Food safety is taken very seriously in Sweden. If you suspect you’ve been food poisoned or if you visit a restaurant, cafe, or grocery store with poor hygiene, you have the right and responsibility to report it.

The City of Stockholm provides a dedicated service called Livsmedelskollen to handle these reports efficiently, ensuring that public health is protected and businesses follow the law.

Quick Facts

  • Best for: Residents and visitors who encounter food safety issues in Stockholm City
  • Handling Authority: Miljöförvaltningen (Environmental and Health Administration)
  • Official App: Livsmedelskollen (available for iOS and Android)
  • Privacy: You can choose to remain anonymous when filing a report.

1. How to Report Suspected Food Poisoning

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If you believe you became ill from something you ate at a local business, you should report it as soon as possible. This helps the city identify potential outbreaks of Salmonella, E. coli, or other foodborne illnesses.

Steps to report:

  1. Visit the Stockholm City website: Anmäl matförgiftning.
  2. Fill out the digital form. You will need to provide:
    • Name and location of the business.
    • Date and time of your visit.
    • What you ate and when the symptoms started.
  3. Submit the form. A health inspector will review the case and may visit the business for an unannounced inspection.

2. Reporting Poor Hygiene or Handling

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You don’t need to get sick to file a report. If you notice dirty kitchens, pests, or staff handling food in an unhygienic way, you can file a complaint.

Common issues to report:

  • Temperature issues (food that should be cold is warm).
  • Pests (cockroaches, mice, etc.) seen in or near the food area.
  • Poor cleaning of the dining or kitchen area.
  • Lack of allergen information or mislabeling.

Link: Anmälan om brister i livsmedelshantering.

3. Using the Livsmedelskollen App

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The Livsmedelskollen app is a powerful tool for Stockholmers. Beyond reporting issues, it allows you to see the inspection history of any food business in the city.

App Features:

  • Search for Restaurants: See if a place has had “remarks” from inspectors in the past.
  • Map View: Find safe places to eat near you based on inspection results.
  • Direct Reporting: File your complaint or poisoning report directly from your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I be identified by the restaurant if I report them?
No. You can choose to be anonymous. If you do provide your name, it becomes a public record, but the city does not share your identity with the business owner during the investigation.

What happens after I file a report?
An inspector from Miljöförvaltningen will evaluate the seriousness. For food poisoning, they often perform an unannounced inspection within 24-48 hours to take food samples.

Does this cover Solna or Nacka?
No. This service is only for businesses within Stockholm Municipality. For neighbor municipalities like Solna, Huddinge, or Nacka, you must contact their respective local Environmental Office.

Final Thoughts

The high standard of food in Stockholm is maintained by the vigilance of its residents. By using tools like Livsmedelskollen, you help ensure that the city’s vibrant food scene remains safe for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, don’t hesitate to speak up if you see something that doesn’t meet Sweden’s strict hygiene standards.

Read More About Health & Food in Stockholm