According to data published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), 109 Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses for breaches in food safety legislation in 2018, increasing by 58% compared to 2017. The FSAI outlined the importance of robust food safety management systems and stressed that the responsibility lies with food businesses to ensure that the food they sell is safe to eat and compliant with food safety legislation.
Between 1 January and 31 December 2018, food inspectors served 95 Closure Orders, 5 Improvement Orders and 9 Prohibition Orders on food businesses throughout the country due to recurring food safety issues such as evidence of rodent infestation and rodent droppings; filthy conditions; failure to maintain correct temperatures of foodstuffs; a lack of knowledge of food safety by staff; unsuitable food storage facilities and improper or lack of water facilities for cleaning.