We studied the prerequisites for official food control and their relation to the quality of controls by using
17 Finnish municipal food control units as our sample. Based on our results, units invest in creating
adequate working conditions through the provision of guidance papers, pre forma templates and possibilities
for staff to collectively hold discussions. However, poor orientation, tacit knowledge and
incomplete commitment among staff to quality systems remain as challenges in the units. Insufficient
human resources and the inability of heads of food control units to recognize problems in the workplace
setting may impair the functional capacity of units. Poor workplace atmosphere and weaknesses in
organization of work may also be reflected in food businesses operators' lesser appreciation toward
official food controls.