Good news from our biscuit factory in Hämeenlinna! In September, Vanajan received the highest possible rating in its latest Oiva food safety inspection. All seven areas assessed were rated Excellent – a result we’re delighted to share!
WHAT DOES THE OIVA SMILE TELL?
There’s more to making good biscuits than finding the right recipe. What happens behind the factory doors matters just as much as the finished product. But how can consumers know that everything is being done properly?
That’s where Oiva comes in. In Finland, food control authorities regularly inspect food businesses, looking at everything from the condition and cleanliness of facilities and equipment to staff practices and safe food handling. The results are published in Oiva reports, available for anyone to read.
Oiva inspections aren’t about the taste or crunch of our biscuits. Instead, they assess how well food safety requirements are followed. The results are presented using Oiva smiley faces, with the biggest smile representing the highest possible rating: Excellent.
In September, our factory received an Excellent rating in all seven areas inspected. This means that every area assessed met the required food safety standards.
Oiva inspections aren’t about the taste or crunch of our biscuits. Instead, they assess how well food safety requirements are followed.
GOOD BISCUITS START WITH GOOD PRACTICES
Making biscuits, wafers and crisp rolls involves much more than mixing ingredients and switching on the oven. From receiving raw materials to packing the finished products, every stage of production requires care, attention and well-established working practices.
At Vanajan, food safety is part of our daily routines. Clean production areas, properly maintained equipment and careful handling of ingredients all contribute to ensuring that our products are not only delicious but also safe to enjoy.
Our commitment to food safety is also reflected in our BRCGS Food Safety certification, an internationally recognised standard that supports consistent quality management and continuous improvement throughout our operations.
The Excellent Oiva results are a shared achievement for our entire team. They reflect the care and responsibility our people bring to their work every day – not just when an inspection takes place.
What is Oiva?
Oiva is Finland’s official food control reporting system, coordinated by the Finnish Food Authority. It makes the results of food safety inspections publicly available, helping consumers see how food businesses comply with food safety and hygiene requirements.
The results are published in Oiva reports using four smiley face ratings: Excellent, Good, To be corrected and Poor.
The bigger the Oiva smile, the better the result!
