Consumer Access to Food Safety Records Strengthened by Court Rulings, Information Request Reveals
A formal request for information regarding food safety audits at Star Döner & Pizza in Düsseldorf, germany, highlights a growing trend of increased transparency in food law enforcement, bolstered by recent court decisions affirming consumer rights to access inspection reports. The request, filed under the Act to Improve Health-Related Consumer Information (VIG), seeks details on the last two food law audits conducted at the establishment located at Reisholzer Straße 25, 40231 Düsseldorf, as well as any associated complaints and corresponding control reports.
The request explicitly defines “complaints” as deviations from the Food and Feed Code (LFBG) or other applicable hygiene regulations, emphasizing a desire for complete inspection reports regardless of how authorities may have categorized the severity of any issues found. This demand for complete data underscores a broader push for greater accountability within the food industry.
Landmark Legal Precedents
The applicant bases their request on Section 1 of the VIG,asserting their right to information under Section 2 Paragraph 1. Crucially, the request cites a landmark ruling by the Federal Administrative Court on August 29, 2019 (ref. 7 C 29.17), which considerably strengthened the right to information under the VIG. According to the ruling, the core aim of the Consumer Information Act is to ensure consumers have access to comprehensive and timely information.
Further reinforcing this right, the Baden-Württemberg Administrative Court recently issued seven decisions – described as “Top Secret” rulings – confirming that consumers are entitled to the results of food law controls within companies. These decisions explicitly state that the potential publication of this information does not conflict with consumer rights. The court reasoned that increased transparency aligns directly with the express purpose of Section 1 VIG: to make the market more obvious.
Free Access and Timely Response
The applicant believes that, according to Section 7 Paragraph 1 VIG, access to this information should be provided free of charge. They request notification in advance should any fees be applicable, along with a detailed breakdown of costs.
The request stipulates a response within one month, as outlined in Section 5 Paragraph 2 VIG, and requests delivery of the information in electronic form (email).The applicant also acknowledges the possibility of data transfer to third parties, provided they explicitly request disclosure, and consents to the forwarding of the application for processing.
Data Privacy Considerations
Recognizing the need to protect personal information, the applicant specifically requests that any personal data of authority or company personnel – such as names and signatures – be redacted from the documents before transmission. This demonstrates a commitment to responsible information access, balancing transparency with privacy concerns.
The request,identified by the inquirer number 356221,includes a link for uploading large files: https://fragdenstaat.de/a/356221/. This proactive measure facilitates the efficient exchange of possibly extensive documents.
Why: Consumers are demanding greater insight into food safety practices, driven by concerns about health and accountability.
Who: An unnamed applicant filed an information request with authorities in Düsseldorf, Germany, targeting Star Döner &
