On 9th April 2013 the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) announced that eleven Closure Orders and one Prohibition Order were served on food businesses during the month of March 2013.
The Closure Orders were served following inspections that revealed breaches of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998 and the European Communities (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2010.
Businesses in receipt of a Closure Order included, restaurants, take-away premises, hotels, a food supplements supplier and a Montessori.
In the same month a Prohibition Order was served on a grocery premises for breaches of the FSAI Act 1998.
In what is becoming a regular monthly mantra, Professor Alan Reilly of the FSAI, has again reminded food businesses that they are responsible for complying with their legal obligations and must ensure that the food they serve is safe to eat.
Failure to comply with regulations can have significant consequences for food businesses. This can include prosecution leading to fines and imprisonment, closure of their premises and the unwelcome publicity of being named on the FSAI website and in the media.
Ian Thomas Associates is very experienced in helping food businesses who require compliance advice or are having problems with the food authorities. If you require assistance please contact us at ian@ianthomasassociates.com.