The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has reported that two Closure Orders were served on food businesses during the month of April for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020. The Enforcement Orders were issued by environmental health officers in the Health Service Executive and officers of the FSAI.
Some of the reasons for the Enforcement Orders in April include failure to have effective traceability systems and procedures in place; inappropriate storage of raw materials and ingredients; a reliance on room temperature to cool foods; operating without registration or approval; failure to implement and maintain food safety procedures.
FSAI Chief Executive Dr Pamela Byrne reminded businesses that ensuring correct and proper food safety practices are in place is crucial to protecting the health of consumers.
She added: “The Enforcement Orders in April show that some businesses have committed serious breaches of food safety procedures. Food businesses must have the appropriate registration and/or approval in place before they start to produce and place food on the market. This requirement means that food businesses will be registered and/or approved with the appropriate inspection agency to ensure food safety and protect consumer health.
"Consumers have a right to safe food and food businesses have a legal requirement to ensure that the food they are processing, serving or selling is safe to eat."