The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has announced that seven Enforcement Orders were issued to food businesses in November due to breaches of food safety regulations. These orders were served in accordance with the FSAI Act, 1998, and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020. Environmental Health Officers from the HSE carried out the enforcement actions.
The breakdown of Enforcement Orders includes:
- Two Closure Orders under the FSAI Act, 1998.
- Four Closure Orders under the EU food legislation regulations.
- One Prohibition Order under the same EU regulations.
The Enforcement Orders addressed serious issues such as:
- Active cockroach infestations.
- Rodent activity and droppings.
- Premises being used for accommodation.
- Absence of handwashing facilities in areas where raw food is handled.
- Grease leaks from pipes beneath food preparation sinks.
- Uncovered containers of cooked and raw meat and sauces stored without expiry dates in cold rooms.
Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI, emphasized the importance of food businesses maintaining robust food safety procedures, particularly during the busy Christmas season. She said: “As the festive period brings a surge in demand for food services, it is critical that food businesses uphold the highest safety standards. Cutting corners or lapses in standards during this time could pose serious health risks to consumers.”
Dr Byrne reiterated that consumers have a fundamental right to safe food, and it is the responsibility of food business operators, managers, and employees to adhere to legal food safety requirements consistently. She warned that neglecting food safety is a disregard for customers' well-being and places their health at unnecessary risk.
“There is zero tolerance for practices that endanger consumer health. We will enforce the full extent of food law against any business found in breach. Establishing and maintaining a strong food safety culture, including comprehensive staff training, must remain a top priority for all food businesses,” she said.
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