The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has published a new guide to assist food businesses to sell or promote their products online via websites or social media.
The guide, which is entitled Selling or Advertising Food Online, instructs business within the sector on how to 'comply with their legislative requirements in order to safeguard consumer health and rights at all times.'
Pamela Byrne, CEO, FSAI said, "Anyone selling or advertising food online is classed as a food business owner and they must comply with relevant legislation. This guide assists them do so as it sets out all the various areas they must comply with."
Byrne said that online shopping in the Irish grocery sector is at €170 million per annum and whilst it represents just 1.2% of overall sales, this figure is expected to rise rapidly over the next few years to reach 4.5% by 2021.
"This new guide comes at a time when selling or advertising food online is on the increase. The bottom line is that if a food business is selling food online the law requires that consumers have the same information about the food product before the purchase is concluded as they would have if they bought it in-store." She added.
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Patrick Lewers
