How to keep your business open!
Food safety is a priority in Ireland and the European Union. The chemical curiosity surrounding drinks like Diet Coke has spurred a collective interest in understanding what exactly goes into what we consume. From chemicals to contamination concerns, the need for robust food safety measures has never been more vital. The food industry has a lot of regulations to maintain public safety, and in this blog, we will discuss how these food safety regulations have led to the closure of many businesses in recent years.
Who enforces food safety in Ireland?
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI): The FSAI is the national agency responsible for ensuring that food produced, distributed, or sold in Ireland meets the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. It provides guidance, conducts inspections, and enforces food safety regulations.
- EU Regulations: Ireland is a member of the European Union, and as such, it adheres to EU food safety regulations. These regulations cover various aspects of food safety, including hygiene, labelling, and traceability.
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): HACCP is a systematic approach to food safety that is widely implemented in Ireland. Food businesses are required to develop and implement HACCP plans to identify and control potential hazards in the production process.
At their ISO 17025-accredited facility, Southern Scientific Services can test for various parameters, including Salmonella, Listeria, Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, TVCs, Yeast, Mould, and Staphylococcus. Each analysis is meticulously conducted to uphold the highest standards of safety.
How do food safety regulations affect your business?
In a recent report, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) sent shockwaves through the industry by revealing a 31% surge in Enforcement Orders served to food businesses in 2022 compared to the previous year. This escalation in orders underscores the importance of adhering to food safety legislation, even as COVID-19 restrictions eased and normal operations resumed.
A total of 77 Enforcement Orders were issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in 2022, spotlighting the urgency for businesses to meticulously train staff, prepare and serve food safely, and ensure their premises are impervious to pests. Among these orders, 65 Closure Orders and 12 Prohibition Orders were handed down by various authorities across the country.
What are Enforcement Orders?
Enforcement orders are issued by authorised officers appointed by the FSAI. Powers are granted to these officials under the FSAI Act, 1998. Enforcement orders include
- Closure orders
- Improvement Orders
- Prohibition Orders
- Prosecutions
What are Closure Orders?
If the FSAI and food inspectors find a premises unhygienic, non-compliant with food law, or poses a health risk to the public, they can close the business down or stop it from handling, preparing, or selling food.
Four closure orders were issued under the European Union last year.
Restaurants in areas such as…
- Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon
- Cabra, Dublin 7
- Raheenagh, Limerick
- Lifford, Donegal
Southern Scientific Food Testing.
The process involves dissecting food products to identify hazardous contaminants—ranging from bacteria and viruses to chemicals. The goal is to guarantee that what we consume isn’t tainted by harmful substances and is unequivocally safe for consumption.
Southern Scientific offer a comprehensive array of tests catering to all food types, from raw to cooked, and serves everyone from producers to distributors and food business operators. Notably, they’re at the forefront of bacterial analysis for fish products in Ireland, showcasing their expertise in ensuring seafood safety.
Why Opt for Food Testing?
With stringent regulations and growing consumer apprehension, accurate and dependable food safety testing results have become paramount. Southern Scientific Services steps up to this challenge, employing cutting-edge techniques to uncover even the slightest traces of contaminants in food products.
Whether you’re concerned about pathogenic microorganisms, pesticides, heavy metals, or other chemicals, the skilled staff at Southern Scientific Services possess the knowledge to provide precise results. They acknowledge the urgency of timely results, offering rapid turnaround times and easily comprehensible outcomes, empowering businesses to make informed decisions swiftly.
Who Benefits from Testing?
Food safety testing isn’t limited to a single sector. It’s recommended for various entities, including:
- Food Manufacturers: Ensuring products are safe before they hit the market.
- Government Agencies: Monitoring compliance and identifying potential hazards.
- Retailers: Confirming the safety of products they sell.
- Food Service Providers: Guaranteeing customer safety.
- Importers and Exporters: Demonstrating compliance with international standards.
In Conclusion
Food testing is more than a regulatory requirement; it’s a promise of trust between you the producers and your consumers. Southern Scientific Services stands as a testament to this commitment, ensuring that what reaches your consumers is not just delicious but safe. Contact us today to ensure your products meet the highest standards of food safety.
For information on testing services -> The Essence of Shelf-life Testing: Ensuring Quality and Safety
