The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has reported that seven Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses during August following breaches of food safety legislation.
Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE) and officers from the FSAI served three Closure Orders and four Prohibition Orders during the month.
The three Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998, while the four Prohibition Orders were issued under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020.
The latest enforcement figures once again highlight the potentially serious consequences for food businesses when fundamental food safety procedures, hygiene standards and staff training are not properly maintained.
Pest Activity Among Serious Failures Identified
Among the reasons given for the Closure Orders was evidence of significant pest activity, including live and dead cockroaches throughout food premises.
Inspectors also found evidence of rodent activity, including rodent droppings and gnaw marks on food packaging, while a live rodent was observed running across the floor of a cold room.
Poor standards of cleanliness and maintenance were another concern, with inspectors identifying a build-up of dirt, grease-covered vents, cobwebs, insects and dead flies.
Other shortcomings included inadequate hand-washing facilities and a food business operating without having been registered or approved by a competent authority.
HACCP Systems and Staff Training
Of particular concern for employers was the absence of a food safety management system based on HACCP principles in one of the businesses subject to enforcement action.
Failures were also identified in relation to ensuring that food workers were adequately supervised, instructed and/or trained in food hygiene.
FSAI Highlights Importance of Properly Trained Staff
Commenting on the findings, Greg Dempsey, FSAI Chief Executive, said: “It is concerning to see such serious deficiencies in basic food safety controls in these Closure Orders, particularly the evidence of significant pest activity and poor standards of hygiene and maintenance.
“Consumers have a right to safe food. Food businesses must have effective measures in place to prevent pests gaining access to food premises and must maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene at all times.
“These cases also highlight the importance of having an effective food safety management system in place, supported by properly trained staff and appropriate hygiene facilities. Food safety controls must work in practice, every day, to protect consumers. Where businesses fail to meet their legal responsibilities and food safety is compromised, enforcement action is necessary to protect public health when it comes to food safety.”
“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,” Mr Dempsey added.
Make Food Safety Training a Priority
The August Enforcement Orders provide another reminder that food safety compliance requires ongoing attention. Effective HACCP procedures, high standards of hygiene and properly trained staff all play an important role in protecting customers and helping businesses meet their responsibilities.
SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions provides onsite Food Safety/HACCP Training and Certification for food businesses across Ireland.
Our practical, face-to-face training helps staff understand food safety hazards and how HACCP principles should be applied in their own working environment, giving employers greater confidence that procedures are understood and followed in practice.
Don’t wait for an inspection to expose weaknesses in your food safety procedures. Contact SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions today to arrange onsite Food Safety/HACCP training and certification for your team.