State response to future food scares unveiled in national plan
Under the plan, the definition of a food incident ranges from unhygienic practices to deliberate biological or chemical contamination by terrorists.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food Noel Treacy said the aim was to achieve a “seamless” response to food scares.
Mr Treacy said consumers expected and had a right to a well-prepared plan that would protect them.
The plan was drawn up by the Food Agency Co-operation Council, established two years ago under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture and Food.
The principal element of the plan is providing timely and clear information to industry, relevant State agencies and the public.
Mr Treacy said food businesses must also play their part in managing food scares by ensuring they have a product traceability and recall system, based on a recognised code of practice, in place immediately.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland and contracted official agencies have primary responsibility for managing food incidents in this country.
The official agencies are the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the health boards and local authorities. All have powers to withdraw or recall a food product.
Chairman of the Food Agency Co-operation Council Padraic White said recent food scares underlined the need to have a well managed plan in place.
“Consumers can only have confidence in the food supply, and consequently in the food sector in Ireland when they are assured their health and safety is the central priority and that the combined resources of State agencies are focused on such a strategy.”
