An audit by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has turned in some rather worrying results for those of us who enjoy sushi.
The findings, released today by the FSAI, found 76 breaches of food safety regulation across 11 businesses that were audited. 90% of the businesses audited did not have "adequate controls in place to safeguard human health."
Similarly, 75% of the food businesses did not meet the requirements of the legislation for freezing fish for parasite control.
Of the 11 premises audited, only one premises had no breaches of food safety and hygiene legislation. Eight of the premises audited were restaurants, which ranged from small establishments where sushi was served to consumers on the premises, through to small outlets where sushi was delivered to people in their homes.
Additionally, three major manufacturers who supply and also produce sushi for the corporate sector were also audited.
According to Dr. Pamela Byrne, the Chief Executive of the FSAI, frozen fish was found being defrosted at room temperature.
The reason behind the audit is the huge jump in sushi vendors in Ireland, a figure which has risen by 80% since 2018. The audit also found freezers not at the required minus 20 degrees Celsius for fish parasite control, as well as fish being delivered without temperature check.
Byrne confirmed that all premises audited have since rectified the issues.
