The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has reported that 11 Enforcement Orders were issued to food businesses in January for breaches of food safety legislation under the FSAI Act, 1998, and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020.
These orders, issued by Environmental Health Officers from the Health Service Executive, included five Closure Orders under the FSAI Act, 1998, three Closure Orders under the EU regulations, and three Prohibition Orders under the FSAI Act, 1998. Additionally, the HSE pursued one prosecution in December 2024.
The Enforcement Orders were issued for a range of serious food safety violations, including an active cockroach infestation, rodent activity and droppings, improper vacuum packing of raw fish alongside ready-to-eat foods without adequate cleaning procedures, damp and mould growth, and the presence of personal items such as shoes, a gazebo, and a scooter in a food production area. Other infractions included a complete lack of cleaning, surfaces heavily stained with food debris and dust, the absence of a food safety management system, unauthorised business operations, and unlabelled food items with no traceability information.
FSAI Chief Executive Dr Pamela Byrne emphasised that food businesses are legally obligated to comply with food safety regulations at all times.
"Food businesses have a fundamental responsibility to ensure the food they produce is safe to consume," she stated. "The Enforcement Orders issued in January highlight unacceptable breaches, including inadequate pest control, poor hygiene standards, and a failure to maintain proper food traceability. Such violations pose a significant risk to public health and erode consumer trust in the food industry. It is crucial that all food businesses establish and maintain a rigorous food safety management system to prevent these issues. The law is clear – food safety is not optional, and businesses that fail to comply will face enforcement action."
At SafeHands Health and Safety Solutions, we recognise the challenges food businesses face in meeting strict regulatory requirements. That’s why we provide tailored, onsite solutions to help you stay compliant and avoid enforcement actions. Our Food Safety/HACCP Level 2 training and certification equips your staff with the essential knowledge and skills to maintain the highest food safety standards.
By tackling the root causes of food safety issues – such as insufficient training and ineffective pest control – we help to safeguard both your customers and your reputation. Don’t let inadequate food safety practices put your business at risk. Call SafeHands today on 01-7979836 or 0873823223, email info@safehands.ie, or visit www.safehands.ie to ensure your business meets the highest HACCP standards in Ireland.