Two Closure Orders were served by Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE) on food businesses during the month of June. These closure orders were served for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998.

An active cockroach infestation, failure of a premises to comply with an Improvement Order; food handlers unable to demonstrate basic knowledge of good food hygiene principles and failure to implement a food safety management plan were noted as reasons for these closures.

Consumers have a right to expect that the foods they purchase and consume will be safe and of high quality. While consumers, governments and others play an important part in ensuring food safety and quality, the ultimate responsibility for investing the physical and managerial resources that are necessary for implementing appropriate controls lies with the food business operator. A lack of leadership and inadequate training of staff can have a huge impact on a food business. Details of the food businesses served with Enforcement Orders are published on the FSAI’s website.

Food businesses must ensure staff are trained appropriately in food hygiene and are properly supervised to reinforce good hygiene practices. Food businesses must also train staff in COVID-19 related procedures including fitness to work policy, social distancing and the use of PPE. The EHAI Primary Course in Food Hygiene and our NEW COVID-19 Training for Food Workers are now being delivered via video link by our Licensed Trainers. Check out www.ehai.ie to find a course and book today.