The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has confirmed that Environmental Health Officers served five Closure Orders on food businesses during April due to breaches of food safety legislation.
The Enforcement Orders were issued under the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020. Two Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, while a further three were issued under the European Union regulations.
The reasons cited for enforcement action highlight a range of serious food safety failures that continue to arise across the sector. Issues identified during inspections included active rodent infestations in kitchens and food storage areas, rodent droppings beside food shelving, inadequate cleaning and disinfection procedures, mould and dampness on staff toilet walls, and poor hygiene standards throughout food preparation areas.
Inspectors also identified operational failings such as inaccurate allergen declarations, insufficient food traceability information, a lack of food safety management systems, and the use of an unapproved establishment. In some cases, staff were observed handling food without demonstrating safe food handling practices, while no monitoring records were available for the reheating of high-risk foods such as chicken.
These findings underline how quickly standards can deteriorate when food safety procedures are not properly implemented, monitored, and reinforced through regular training.
Proper Food Safety Training Is Essential
Food safety compliance is not simply about passing inspections. It is about protecting customers, safeguarding staff, and ensuring businesses operate responsibly and legally every day.
Proper onsite Food Safety/HACCP training plays a critical role in helping businesses maintain standards. Staff must understand correct hygiene procedures, temperature controls, allergen management, cleaning protocols, and safe food handling practices. Without proper training, even basic oversights can create serious risks to public health and expose businesses to enforcement action, reputational damage, and financial loss.
A strong food safety culture also depends on having effective systems in place. Businesses should ensure that procedures are documented, staff are properly supervised, cleaning schedules are followed, and monitoring records are maintained consistently.
FSAI Chief Executive Greg Dempsey stressed the importance of maintaining robust food safety standards at all times.
He said: “Every food business must have effective food safety management systems in place to ensure that food is stored, prepared and served safely. Cleanliness, pest control, proper staff training and food traceability are fundamental requirements and are essential to protecting public health. Consumers have a right to safe food and food businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure the food they provide to consumers is safe to eat.”
Mr Dempsey added: “We strongly encourage food businesses to continuously improve their food safety standards via regular training, availing of our free online learning portal, as well as promoting a strong culture of food safety within their businesses.”
Don’t Wait for an Inspection
Enforcement actions such as Closure Orders can often reveal issues that have developed gradually over time. Regular onsite training and refresher courses can help businesses identify weaknesses early and ensure staff remain aware of their responsibilities.
At SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions, we provide onsite Food Safety/HACCP training and certification for businesses across Ireland. Our practical, face-to-face training helps staff understand real-world food safety risks, maintain compliance, and build safer workplace practices.
To arrange onsite food safety training for your business, contact our team today and be in SafeHands...