John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 129: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of inspectors employed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to enforce the country of origin of beef regulations in restaurants, hotels and pubs; the number of food outlets subject to these regulations; the number of inspections of such premises that have been carried out since the regulations came into force; the number of food establishments found to be non-compliant with the regulations; the number of prosecutions that have resulted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36012/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The responsibility for implementation of the Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations 2006 (SI 307 of 2006) lies with the Food Safety of Ireland (FSAI). There are over 44,000 food businesses in Ireland of which 29,000 are in the service sector, which includes restaurants, hotels and pubs. These food businesses are inspected on a routine basis by the Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) in the Health Service Executive (HSE) operating under a service contract with the FSAI.

Approximately 220 EHOs are employed by the HSE for food control activities. Inspections primarily focus on compliance with hygiene and food safety requirements. Checks on compliance with the Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations are being incorporated into routine inspections for establishments covered by these Regulations. To date no prosecutions have been taken for breaches of the Regulations. The FASI intends to distribute written guidance for all caterers on how to comply with the Regulations.