Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 132: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the person who has responsibility for food hygiene in butcher shops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25094/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Food hygiene in butchers' shops is the responsibility of the food business operator concerned. However, to ensure that the relevant legislation is complied with, inspections are carried out by authorised officers acting pursuant to a service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) of the Health Service Executive (HSE) have responsibility for the inspection of retail butchers. Where contraventions of the legislation are identified during such inspections, appropriate action will be taken.

In addition to their enforcement functions, EHOs also give advice on compliance to food business operators and the FSAI also provides advice and guidance.