The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has reported a shocking 45 per cent increase in Enforcement Orders issued to food businesses in 2024, with a total of 133 orders compared to 92 in 2023.
This sharp rise highlights the critical need for food businesses to prioritise proper onsite food safety training and implement robust management systems. Failing to do so can lead to significant risks for both consumers and businesses, including financial penalties, reputational damage, and public health concerns.
The Enforcement Orders issued in 2024 included 115 Closure Orders, 16 Prohibition Orders, and 2 Improvement Orders. These were issued by Environmental Health Officers, sea-fisheries protection officers, and inspectors from the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.
Entirely Preventable Failures
The most common reasons for these orders stemmed from lapses that are entirely preventable, such as inadequate pest control, poor cleaning practices, incorrect food storage, failure to maintain proper food temperatures, and, most importantly, a lack of proper food safety training among staff.
Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI, expressed her frustration over these recurring issues. She emphasised that breaches of food safety regulations are not minor infractions – they pose serious risks to public health.
“It is concerning to see a significant increase in Enforcement Orders in 2024. Consumers have a right to safe food and negligent food practices are inexcusable. The types of reasons cited for Enforcement Orders are simple errors that should not be happening in any food business,” she said.
Enforcement Orders, particularly Closure and Prohibition Orders, are issued only when there is a significant risk to consumer health or ongoing violations of food safety laws.
The surge in Enforcement Orders in 2024 included violations that are both alarming and entirely avoidable with proper food safety protocols in place. Examples included live cockroach infestations, decomposed rat carcasses, fresh rat droppings, and dirty premises with accumulations of grease, dirt, and food debris. Some businesses were found to have no evidence of a food safety management system, while others displayed a complete lack of organisation, making effective cleaning and disinfection impossible.
December 2024 alone saw 9 Closure Orders issued, further illustrating the widespread lack of compliance. The reasons cited included pests, dirty premises, and improper storage of ready-to-eat foods – all avoidable issues if food businesses had implemented appropriate training and systems.
Why Proper Food Training is Essential
A lack of proper onsite food safety training is one of the most critical contributors to these breaches. Without adequate training carried out onsite and face-to-face, staff are ill-equipped to handle food safely, maintain hygiene, or identify potential hazards. This negligence not only jeopardises consumer health but also undermines public trust in the food industry.
At SafeHands Health and Safety Solutions, we understand the challenges food businesses face in meeting regulatory requirements. That’s why we offer tailored solutions delivered onsite at your premises to help you stay compliant and avoid the consequences of enforcement actions. Our comprehensive HACCP Level 2 training and certification ensure that your staff have the knowledge and skills they need to uphold the highest food safety standards.
By addressing the root causes of food safety failures, such as inadequate training and poor pest control measures, we help you protect your customers and your reputation. Don’t let a lack of proper food safety training put your business at risk. Contact SafeHands today on 01-7979836, mobile 0873823223, email info@safehands.ie, or visit www.safehands.ie to ensure your food business meets the best HACCP Ireland standards.