Two food businesses were forced to close last month for breaches of food safety laws that potentially caused a danger to public health.
Veterinary inspectors served a closure order on a fresh meat business operated by Derek Beattie, trading as Riverview Farm, Coolroe, Tinahealy, Co Wicklow on March 26th.
In Tramore, Co Waterford, environmental health officers served a closure order on John Dunne of Jumbo Hot Dog (food stall), Strand Street, on March 2nd. That order was lifted on March 6th.
Food Safety Authority of Ireland chief executive Dr John O’Brien said poor food safety and hygiene practices would not be accepted.
“It is vital in these recessionary times that food businesses, in a bid to keep costs to a minimum, do not cut corners when it comes to food safety practices and standards. Food businesses are legally required to produce safe food and standards should not be allowed to slip.”
Dr O'Brien urged food businesses to visit the FSAI's new website which he said was a comprehensive source of information on every aspect of food safety, food hygiene management and food legislation.