asked the Minister for Health if the inspectors of his Department who visit food premises, are concerned solely with hygiene or also with other matters; and, if so, if he will give details.
Written Answers. - Health Inspector Visits.
161.
Health inspectors visit food premises in exercise of their functions under the following legislation:
(1) Food Hygiene Regulations, 1950-1971, in which they are concerned with operational and structural hygiene.
(2) Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, 1875-1936, which empower health inspectors to take samples of food and drink for testing to ensure that they are of the stated quality, nature and substance.
(3) Health (Sampling of Food) Regulations, 1970, which empower health inspectors to take samples of food and drink for testing to ensure that they do not contain contaminants and additives in such levels that human health might be at risk.
(4) The Milk and Dairies Act, 1935-1956. Health inspectors are assigned to assist sanitary officers by carrying out routine inspections of dairy premises. Samples of milk are taken for testing to ensure its quality.
(5) Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960. Health inspectors carry out inspections of premises in respect of licensing applications.