EFFL 3/2025 has just been published and includes an article by Ian Thomas entitled ‘Are Irish Consumers Facing Increased Risks?’
The article refers to 2024 figures which highlight the increase in the number of complaints made about Irish food businesses and the increase in the number of enforcement orders issued by the Irish food competent authorities.
The number of complaints rose from 4,395 in 2023 to 4,996 in 2024. This reflects an increase of almost 14%. These complaints included unfit food, suspected food poisoning, poor hygiene standards, improper food information and poor allergen information.
These are just the complaints made via the easily accessible FSAI online complaints form. https://www.fsai.ie/makeitbetter
It is impossible to know how many complaints were made ‘informally’ to the business concerned or how many unsatisfactory issues led to consumers not returning or sharing their experiences with others (e.g. via social media).
In 2024, 133 enforcement orders were served compared with 92 in 2023, an increase of approximately 45%. There were many reasons justifying intervention including the matters mentioned above. Orders are listed on the FSAI website and are usually mentioned by media outlets.
Environmental health officers conduct inspections to check that food laws are being complied with. They will attempt to work with the business to rectify any issues of concern but will not hesitate to take enforcement action to protect consumers where this is warranted.
The legal onus is on all food business operators to comply with all food laws that apply to their activities. The FSAI website provides valuable information for business and consumers. https://www.fsai.ie/
Prevention is usually better than cure and taking specialist advice before a problem occurs can have significant benefits for the business and its consumers. However, the business might find itself facing threatened or actual enforcement action and the adviser will guide the business through the regulatory maze to find a solution.
This article is provided for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Formal legal advice should always be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action.
Ian Thomas also practises from Gough Square Chambers, London – ian.thomas@goughsq.co.uk