Down on the 2016 total…
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has revealed that 69 Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses for breaches in food safety legislation in 2017, declining by over a third compared to the 106 closures in 2016.
Between 1 January and 31 December 2017, food inspectors served 64 Closure Orders, one Improvement Order and four Prohibition Orders on food businesses throughout the country.
The types of recurring food safety issues that lead to Enforcement Orders are: evidence of rodent infestation and rodent droppings; failure to maintain temperatures of foodstuffs; filthy conditions; unsuitable food storage facilities and improper or lack of water facilities.
Commenting on the annual figures, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI stressed the serious nature of a food business being served an Enforcement Order: “While it is very encouraging to see Enforcement Orders drop significantly for 2017 compared with 2016, 69 Enforcement Orders is still too many.
“Unfortunately, there continues to be a minority of food businesses not complying with their legal requirements. Food businesses must recognise that they are legally bound to ensure that the food they serve is safe to eat. Consumers have a right to safe food.
“Enforcement Orders are only issued by Enforcement Officers when they have sufficient evidence that a serious breach of food safety has been committed. Closure Orders can refer to the immediate closure of all or part of the food premises, or all or some of its activities,” Dr Byrne said.
The full details of the Enforcement Orders served on food businesses are published on www.fsai.ie.
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