Food safety remains a critical issue for both consumers and businesses across Ireland, and recent enforcement orders highlight that there is still significant work to be done.
According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), Environmental Health Officers from the Health Service Executive (HSE) issued 12 Closure Orders and two Prohibition Orders to food businesses during March. These actions were taken under the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020.
A Breakdown of Enforcement Actions
- 8 Closure Orders were issued under the FSAI Act, 1998
- 4 Closure Orders were issued under EU regulations
- 2 Prohibition Orders were also issued under EU regulations
- And 1 prosecution was carried out during the same period
These figures reflect ongoing compliance challenges within the food sector—particularly around basic hygiene and food safety management.
Shocking Conditions Found by Inspectors
The reasons behind these enforcement actions paint a concerning picture. Inspectors identified serious breaches, including:
- Active cockroach infestations and dead insects inside food storage areas
- Evidence of rodents, including droppings and even a dead mouse in a trap
- Food being handled or prepared in unsuitable environments, such as bedrooms
- Lack of basic hygiene facilities, including no hot water, soap, or handwashing stations
- Severely unclean equipment and kitchens, including floors covered in waste discharge
- Improper storage of cleaning materials in contaminated water
- Absence of traceability records and food safety documentation
- No food safety management systems in place
These are not minor oversights – they are fundamental failures that pose real risks to public health.
A Preventable Problem
FSAI Chief Executive Greg Dempsey expressed concern over the continued need for enforcement:
“It is disappointing that we continue to see enforcement action being necessary due to fundamental breaches. Inspectors are finding recurring incidents of pest infestations and unhygienic practices in food businesses. These are entirely preventable non-compliances when proper food safety management systems are in place.”
The message is clear: these issues are avoidable. With proper systems, training, and oversight, businesses can maintain safe, compliant environments.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Food safety is not just a legal obligation, it’s a responsibility to your customers and your reputation. Enforcement actions can lead to:
- Immediate business closure
- Legal consequences and financial penalties
- Long-term reputational damage
- Loss of customer trust
In today’s environment, where consumers are more informed than ever, even a single incident can have lasting consequences.
Take Action: Protect Your Business with Proper Onsite Training
Ensuring your team understands and implements food safety best practices is the most effective way to prevent these issues.
SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions offers onsite training and certification tailored to your business needs. Our Food Safety/HACCP courses are expert-led programs that help you:
- Stay compliant with Irish and EU food safety laws
- Build robust food safety management systems
- Train staff to maintain the highest hygiene standards
- Reduce the risk of enforcement actions
Don’t wait for an inspection to highlight gaps. Take control today. Contact SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions to book your onsite training and certification and ensure your business meets the highest food safety standards.