The Food Safety Authority of Ireland reported an increase in Enforcement Orders issued to food businesses in 2023 compared to the previous year. The 92 Enforcement Orders represented a 19 per cent rise from the 77 served in 2022.
The FSAI expressed disappointment with the increase and emphasised the importance of training staff and maintaining premises in compliance with food safety legislation.
The breakdown of Enforcement Orders in 2023 included 76 Closure Orders, 3 Improvement Orders, and 13 Prohibition Orders, with six prosecutions taken. Environmental Health Officers, local authority veterinary inspectors, sea-fisheries protection officers, and FSAI officers led these enforcement actions.
Recurring issues identified in food businesses included inadequate food storage, lack of pest control procedures, insufficient temperature control, and inadequate staff training.
Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of FSAI, expressed disappointment in not seeing a reduction in Enforcement Orders and stressed the need for food businesses to proactively adhere to food safety regulations. She highlighted that such breaches should not be occurring and urged businesses to prioritise a culture of food safety.
In December 2023, four Closure Orders and one Prohibition Order were issued, citing various violations such as blood from raw ducks contaminating surfaces, flies observed on raw ducks and equipment, visible mold growth, ongoing cockroach infestation, absence of handwashing facilities, and structural issues like gaps in walls and holes in the ceiling.
Details of food businesses served with Enforcement Orders are available on the FSAI's website, with Closure and Improvement Orders listed for three months and Prohibition Orders for one month after corrective actions have been taken.
If you require Food Safety/HACCP training for your staff, a Food Safety/HACCP system specifically designed for your food business or Food Safety advice, please contact SafeHands by phone on 01-7979836 or mobile on 0873823223, email info@safehands.ie or visit our website https://www.safehands.ie.