The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has reported that four Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses during the month of January for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 and the FSAI Act, 1998. The Enforcement Orders were issued by Environmental Health Officers in the HSE and local authority veterinary inspectors in Monaghan County Council.
Some of the reasons for the Enforcement Orders in January include: a live rodent was found in the kitchen; widespread evidence of a mouse infestation throughout the premises, with mouse droppings found in the retail, storage and delivery areas of the shop; meat stored in an unregistered and unapproved premises and the origin of the meat on the premises was unknown; a lack of information on product traceability; lack of information regarding allergen information as well as production, handling, distribution and storage processes.
FSAI chief executive Dr Pamela Byrne said: “To ensure food safety and hygiene, every food business is required by law to have a robust food safety management system and to also ensure that this system is working properly.
“While the majority of those inspected have adequate procedures in place, the fact that Environmental Health Officers continue to find incidents of rodents and pest infestations in some food businesses highlights that a food safety management system is not working. Consumers have a right to safe food and food businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure that it is safe to eat.”
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.