EU plans will affect all Irish food firms, says FSAI

EU proposals to change official controls across the food and agriculture sectors will have an impact on every Irish food business, producer and operator, says the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

These proposals are designed to strengthen enforcement of health and safety standards. They will apply to all stages of the food chain, including for the first time plant health, plant reproductive material and animal by-products.

They include extending inspection fees for official controls across the agri-food chain to all enterprises employing at least 10 persons, with annual turnover of at least €2 million. Announcing a consultation on the proposals, the FSAI has called on interested parties to express their views and opinions up to Monday, Sept 9.