Increase in food safety breaches

RESTAURANTS and food business operators have been warned to strengthen their hygiene practices after a rise in safety breaches last year.

Figures from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland reveal there were 54 enforcement orders for breaches of food safety legislation issued last year, nearly a fifth more than those in 2008.

The FSAI’s chief executive Prof Alan Reilly yesterday insisted the agency and its officials would continue to enforce a strict inspection policy this year.

“The 2009 enforcement figures represent an increase on the 2008 figures, which is disappointing. Although the closure order statistics appear to be remain the same as the previous year, it is clear that work still needs to be done by the industry.

“The same recurring, but easily preventable faults continue to contribute to the closure of food businesses and this must be addressed by food business operators.”

Between January 1 and the December 31, 2009, enforcement officers served 34 closure orders, seven improvement orders and 13 prohibition orders on food businesses. This compares with 34 closure orders, six improvement orders and six prohibition orders issued in 2008.

In the month of December, one closure order was served on Ben Super Food Store, 189, Phibsborough Road, Dublin 7 while an improvement order was served by on Murrays Foodstore and Post Office, Dromina, Charleville, Cork.