63,000 food samples analysed for FSAI

More than 63,000 samples of food are analysed every year by official laboratories for the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

The new Chief Executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Ann Westby, revealed the figure at the first FSAI international laboratory conference held in Ireland.

Testing of food samples for microbiological or chemical contamination underpins food safety control systems throughout the country, to reduce the incidence of foodborne illness.

Westby stated that she wanted all food laboratories dealing with the FSAI in Ireland fully accredited to ISO 17025 by end of 2005, to achieve uniform quality standards in all laboratories.

"Laboratory work provides the scientific basis to link human cases of infection to contaminated food and to providing information to the sampling and inspecting officers to assist in tracking infections throughout the entire country" she said.

She also acknowledged the contribution made by private laboratories and those laboratories owned by specific food businesses providing 'own check' testing services to the food industry.

Westby advised the industry that the range of sampling and testing carried out by the official agencies means that food retailers or suppliers have no hiding place if they supply or sell substandard products.