Poor Finnish proficiency hinders hygiene resolutions in Finland’s restaurant industry

Poor proficiency in Finnish among restaurant staff can significantly hinder the resolution of hygiene and food safety issues, as indicated by health authorities. An increasing number of food establishments are being flagged for inadequate hygiene and food safety, with the worst ratings in the Oiva reporting system on the rise. This trend is exacerbated by financial concerns and challenges in hiring skilled workers.

While most restaurants and fast-food outlets operate effectively, some face prolonged issues. Regulatory bodies may need to resort to administrative measures, including fines, if problems persist. According to the chief health inspector in Pori, Niina Kukkonen, most issues are typically resolved during the preliminary discussions, preventing the need for coercive actions. However, cases that do require such measures often involve complex challenges, where language barriers and financial situations can contribute to delays in addressing necessary steps.

The tourism and restaurant sector’s advocacy group, Mara, estimated that 10-20% of workers in Finland’s restaurant industry speak a language other than Finnish as their mother tongue. Language barriers can complicate inspections, sometimes leaving inspectors unable to communicate effectively, leading to the use of translation tools like Google Translate. While these tools help address the minimum requirements, they can lead to misunderstandings due to potential translation errors.

Furthermore, cultural differences can play a role, particularly with staff from outside the EU who may not fully understand Finnish regulations. Officials have a legal obligation to guide and advise. If a business owner struggles with Finnish, English is often used instead. Early this year, one in six restaurants or cafes faced bankruptcy risk, highlighting the impact of economic pressures on operations.