A series of talks aimed at those running small food businesses or thinking of setting up such a business is to be hosted by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
The events will focus on issues such as regulation of food business, hygiene legislation and food safety management systems.
Seven food businesses were closed last month for breaching food safety laws.
The agency said environmental health officers had also issued one improvement order and one prohibition order.
Closure orders were served under 1988 food safety legislation on the New Jasmine House restaurant, Aiden Street, Kiltimagh, Mayo, and on Spiceland restaurant, Main Street, Rathdowney, Laois.
Five closure orders were also served under European Union foodstuffs regulations.
The businesses closed were Laois Kebab House (restaurant), 1 Coote Street, Portlaoise, Laois; Paddy Jack (processing section of food stall), Cuffsboro, Ballacolla, Laois; Fate Restaurant, 6 Bayview, Bettystown, Meath; The Half Barrel (public house) (vegetable store and fuel store only), Whitegate, Clare and premises occupied by Mr Tanveer Ahmed Bhatti (take-away), 1 Abbey Street, Roscrea, Tipperary.
An improvement order was served on Spar (grocery), 5 Fitzmaurice Road, Ballygall, Dublin 11. And one prohibition order was served on Little Caesar’s Palace restaurant, 4-5 Balfe Street, Dublin 2.
FSAI chief executive Prof Alan Reilly said full compliance with food safety and hygiene standards was essential for all food businesses.
“There is absolutely no excuse for putting consumers’ health at risk through negligent practices. We are urging businesses to take full advantage of the information and support provided by the inspectorate and the FSAI to ensure that they have the correct food safety management systems in place,” he said.
The FSAI will hold a series of free events over the coming months aimed at owners and managers of small food businesses, as well as those thinking of setting up such a business.
They will feature expert talks on topics such as starting a food business, labelling requirements and food safety practices.
The first such ‘Breakfast Bite’ event will focus on regulatory requirements for setting up a new food business in Ireland, covering food hygiene legislation, staff training, food safety management systems, traceability systems and issues specific to businesses operating from home or selling at farmers’ markets.
It takes place from 8am to 9.30am on Thursday 16th May at the FSAI’s offices in Dublin. Registration and further information is available at www.fsai.ie/events
