Muesli full of maggots and a dead spider in a loaf: Consumer food safety complaints rise in 2024

A dead spider in a loaf of brown bread was one of the complaints in the unfit food category, the most frequently reported complaint handled by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in 2024. File photo

A dead spider in a loaf of brown bread, a piece of glass in a chicken breast, and a pack of muesli full of maggots were just some of the complaints handled by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in 2024.

A total of 8,596 complaints and queries were lodged to the agency’s advice line that year, and 4,996 of those complaints came from consumers. The 4,996 consumer complaints represent a 13.7% increase on the year 2023, which saw 4,395 complaints.

In 2024, 61% of consumer complaints related to unfit food (32%), and suspected food poisoning (29%). Unfit food, which is food that is deemed not safe to eat, was the most frequently reported complaint in 2024. 

The unfit food category also includes food that is contaminated with a foreign object, and some of these complaints included a large piece of rubber in a protein bar, a toothpick in a bag of chips, a metal pin in pre-packed prawns, and a live insect in a burrito bowl.

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A piece of plastic in a milkshake, a metal nail in a takeaway meal, a snail in a box of grapes, and a large piece of metal in a chocolate biscuit were among other complaints received.

Undercooked meats, food served cold when it should be hot, and foods with “off” tastes or smells were also reported to the authority.

At 29%, suspected food poisoning was the second most frequently reported complaint in 2024. This was an increase on the 23.3% of food poisoning complaints in 2023.

The third most frequently reported category related to poor hygiene standards with reports of rodents spotted in businesses, staff not wearing appropriate clothing, poor personal hygiene with staff openly coughing and sneezing, and staff not washing hands, and handling food and money with the same gloves.

Excessive flies and insects spotted in food businesses, generally unclean premises, food not being stored correctly with fridges and freezers not cold enough, and food being stored in boxes on floors were among other complaints.

FSAI reaction

Commenting on the findings, FSAI’s chief executive, Greg Dempsey, stressed the importance of making complaints, so that any food safety issues can be addressed. He said: “We welcome consumers and food businesses contacting us via our Advice Line.

“People reporting inappropriate and unsafe food and practices is vitally important and is an essential component, supporting the work of the food inspectorate to ensure the highest standards and quality across the food chain.

“The year-on-year increase in complaints to the Advice Line reflects an increased awareness among consumers of the importance of food safety and also demonstrates their zero-tolerance approach when it comes to poor food safety and hygiene standards in food products and in food premises.” 

According to Mr Dempsey, food businesses have a “legal obligation to provide safe food” and he said it is “vital” that they “adhere to the legislation at all times".

The 2024 figures reflect an overall upwards trend over the past decade. The FSAI say that all complaints received were followed up and investigated by food inspectors throughout the country.