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THE FOOD SAFETY Authority of Ireland (FSAI) received almost 3,500 complaints from consumers last year to its advice line, half of which related to unfit food and poor hygiene standards, new figures released today reveal.
The FSAI last year saw a significant increase (25%) in complaints relating to the non-display of allergen information while poor hygiene complaints rose by 19%.
Complaints relating to suspected food poisoning also saw an increase of 8% in 2019.
The total number of complaints to the FSAI in 2019 saw a small increase overall compared with 2018 (3,424).
Last year, consumer complaints ranged from reports of food unfit to eat to incorrect food labelling information:
1,134 complaints on hygiene standards
1,082 complaints on unfit food
792 complaints on suspect food poisoning
149 complaints on incorrect information on food labelling
135 complaints on non-display of allergen information
113 other
In addition, the FSAI noted an increase in the number of complaints from customers in relation to inadequate pest control in food premises which it said has also been reflected in FSAI Enforcement Orders.
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Under the FSAI Act 1998, a closure order is served where it is deemed that there is or there is likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health at or in the premises; or where an improvement order is not complied with.
Closure orders can refer to the immediate closure of all or part of the food premises, or all or some of its activities, but can be lifted once a food premises is found to be compliant.
Contamination of food with foreign objects was frequently reported by consumers in 2019.
Reports included allegations of food containing insects, plastics and other foreign objects.
Hair was reported several times as being present in a number of foods, the FSAI said today, as well as false nails, small pieces of stone, metal and plastic.
Other reports to the FSAI included a snail in a whole chicken; a caterpillar in pork chops; and a butterfly or moth in fresh cream.
Advice line complaints regarding poor hygiene in food premises, meanwhile, cited live mice and evidence of rodent activity throughout food handling and storage areas; staff failing to wash their hands when cooking and serving food; pigeons in the deli area; and flies reported throughout a premises.
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In 2019, the FSAI recorded a total of 8,964 queries from people working in the food service sector.
Queries regarding legislation on food labelling requirements, requests for FSAI publications and information for new food businesses setting up operations were amongst the most common.
FSAI Chief Executive Pamela Byrne said that the FSAI has now added a pest control FAQ to its website given the increase in complaints in 2019.
“Pest control is critical because pests can carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate foods. This can cause illness or spoil food. Pests can also cause financial damage to food businesses and affect their reputation,” said Byrne.
She added: “The figures from last year show that consumers too are becoming increasingly attentive as to how food establishments are expected to operate in terms of food safety in Ireland.
“By reporting their incidents around hygiene, labelling, food safety practices and pest control, members of the public and people working in the food sector provide us with the information we need to do our work effectively.”
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Test drove the Peugeot 3008 recently and it really is absolutely stunning inside and out compared to its mostly dull mundane competitors. Prices are steep though and shelling out €400-€500 a month is not budgetary, but you do get a lot more car and kit compared to others.
@The Dons: I just came down to comment on that! It’s actually really nice. I love the Hyundai, but I think here with these, I would want the Peugeot or Skoda. They’re both looking good! Getting a soft spot for FIAT, too! I think I’ve malfunctioned.
@Beachmaster: @Peter: I agree with both of ye on this, the Peugeot is superb and would definitely be my pick. Ive also test drove the Ateca, Kadjar and Tucson. While all were good in different ways the 3008 was different class all round. The interior and kit alone is head and shoulders above everything else out there. While the Kodiaq is another classy entrant, its still got that copy and pasted VW group look inside and out like the Seat Ateca, which to me is getting so repetitively boring now, not to mention the probable higher running and maintenance costs.
Hi all. Drove the 1.2 Peugeot 3008 130BHP. Wonderfully surprised by quality and it’s alround performance. REALLY puts it up to other brands. Pity it is excluded from some of Peugeot offers otherwise would have one in my drive now.
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