Food safety Ticino: 90% of the companies promoted (cross-border guide)

Context

In short - 90% of Ticino companies have passed security checks. - Over 2,000 inspections carried out by the Cantonal Laboratory in 2024. - 181 companies will require more frequent checks for insufficient performance. ## Key Facts - What: 2025 Food Safety Operating Report. - When: Data relating to the year 2024. - Where: Canton Ticino. - Who: Cantonal laboratory. - Total companies: Over 7,000 monitored activities. - Total inspections: More than 2,000 interventions. The 2025 Operating Report, published by the Cantonal Laboratory, outlines a satisfactory framework with regard to food safety and public hygiene in the Canton of Ticino. Overall, 90% of food companies, aqueducts and public infrastructure monitored demonstrated good regulatory compliance. Surveillance activities were conducted on the basis of a risk-oriented approach, which allowed inspection attention to be focused where necessary. ### Analysis of inspection activities The official control action provided for more than 2,000 inspections to be carried out during the year. Of these, as many as 1,807 have been classified as complete periodic checks, which are essential to ensure compliance with the provisions in force. To these are added 44 verification inspections, 156 partial inspections for assessment, 6 targeted interventions following possible reports of intoxication, 1 inspection for

Operational details

The analysis of the 2025 Annual Report reveals that, despite the promotion of the majority of businesses, 10% of reality requires more intensive corrective measures. Specifically, 181 food companies, including some water infrastructure, will be subject to inspections with a frequency higher than that prescribed by the basic law. This increase in monitoring is directly proportional to the poor inspection performance registered in the past year. The document highlights situations where hygiene conditions were deemed unacceptable, leading authorities to take drastic measures. In 27 cases, inspectors had to immediately remove expired, damaged, or unsuitable for sale food products. Nine interventions resulted in an absolute ban on the use of premises and equipment. For a worker or business owner, these figures represent a significant warning about the severity of the controls. Compliance is not just a bureaucratic obligation but a necessary condition for operational continuity. Those operating in Ticino must be aware that non-compliance with hygiene standards exposes them to direct economic risks, such as the seizure of goods and forced interruption of activity. It is essential that companies, including those that employ frontline staff, regularly invest in training their teams to prevent the deterioration of standards. Comparing the data, it emerges that most companies manage to maintain a standard control frequency, but the risk of being subjected to close inspections is concrete for those who do not guarantee optimal hygiene standards. To assess the economic impact of proper business management in Ticino, it is recommended to consult the calculator for a detailed analysis of fixed costs and personnel management costs, ensuring that financial planning includes resources for compliance with regulations and workplace safety.

Key points

For businesses operating in Ticino, compliance with food safety regulations is a cornerstone of daily operations. According to the 2025 Annual Report, prevention remains the most effective tool to avoid penalties or temporary closures imposed by the Cantonal Laboratory. The correct procedure for every activity manager subject to the legislation on food waste involves first a rigorous and constant self-control. It is essential to keep track of expiration dates, check the condition of stored products, and ensure that facilities such as kitchens and warehouses meet the required hygienic parameters.

Source: laregione.ch