The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is to host a series of talks on issues such as hygiene legislation, food safety management systems and regulation of food business. The talks come in light of the closure of seven food businesses last month for breaching food safety laws and are aimed at those currently running small food businesses or those who are considering setting up such a business.
Closure orders were served on Spiceland restaurant, Main St, Rathdowney, Co. Laois and the New Jasmine House Restaurant, Aiden St, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo, under 1988 food safety legislation.
Five further closure orders were also served under European Union foodstuffs regulations, with closures including Laois Kebab House, Portlaoise; Fate Restaurant, Bettystown, Meat; The Half Barrel, Whitegate, Clare. An improvement order was served on Spar at Ballygall, Dublin 11 and a prohibition order was served on Little Caesar's Palace Restaurant at 4-5 Balfe St, Dublin 2.
Commenting on the spate of closures, FSAI chief executive Prof Alan Reilly said that full compliance with food safety and hygiene was essential for all food businesses. "There is absolutely no excuse for putting consumers' health at risk through negligent practices. We are urging businesses to take full advantage of the information and support provided by the inspectorate and the FSAI to ensure that they have the correct food safety management systems in place", he said.
The FSAI's first 'Breakfast Bite' event on Thursday 16 May from 8am to 9.30am will focus on regulatory requirements for setting up a new food business in Ireland, covering food hygiene legislation, staff training, food safety management systems, traceability systems and issues specific to businesses operating from home or selling at farmers' markets. Registration and further information is available at www.fsai.ie/events.
