Vol. 566 No. 1
488 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has proposals to deal with the increase in the number of food outlets which are in breach of food safety regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8831/03]
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is responsible for overseeing the compliance of almost 37,500 food businesses with food safety legislation through its service contracts with the health boards. The majority of these businesses are retail and catering establishments, in addition to plants manufacturing foods of non-animal origin.
In the course of their duties environmental health officers use the enforcement powers available under the Food Hygiene Regulations 1950 – 1989, the European Communities (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations 1998 and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998. The number of enforcement actions has increased since 1999, reflecting greater use of the enforcement provisions of the FSAI Act. The additional powers available under this Act include improvement, prohibition, closure orders as well as improvement notices. These strengthened legal powers enable more effective and speedier action by enforcement officers than previously possible.
I am satisfied that the arrangements currently in place are adequate to ensure that food consumed, distributed, marketed or produced in Ireland meets the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
