asked the Minister for Health the proposals he has for the banning of smoking in all food-related areas in the interest of hygiene; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Food Hygiene Regulations.
73.
Under the provisions of Article 31 of the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1950, a food worker, while engaged on any work in connection with a food business shall not engage in any unhygienic practice in such proximity to food as to be liable to cause contamination or infection thereof. In addition, food workers must take every reasonable precaution to prevent the contamination of food. This provision is generally interpreted to mean that food workers should not smoke in close proximity to food.
Article 32 of the same regulations provides that in any place where a food business is carried on a person who is not a food worker shall not engage in any unhygienic practice in such proximity to food as to be liable to cause contamination or infection thereof. Such persons must also take all reasonable precautions to prevent danger to the public health and to prevent the contamination of food. In view of these provisions I am not considering any further proposals for the banning of smoking in food related areas.