The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has seen a significant increase in the number of complaints to their advice line in the past year. According to their annual report, there has been a 74% increase in contacts to the FSAI, with almost 13,000 queries and complaints received from members of the public. This surge has prompted concerns about the state of food safety in Ireland and the need for stricter regulations to prevent illness and protect consumers. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the increase in complaints, the types of issues raised, and what actions are being taken by the FSAI to ensure food safety is maintained.
Last year, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) advice line experienced a significant increase in calls compared to 2021. The FSAI advice line handled a total of 7,363 queries and complaints in 2022, which is an 18.9% increase from the previous year. Of the complaints received, 4,058 were from consumers with 31% relating to unfit food and 28% to poor hygiene standards. Commonly reported objects found in food included glass, wood, plastic, paper, metal, hair, small stones, medicine tablets, and insects. Poor hygiene standards were commonly reported with issues including fish deliveries left outside in the sun, excessive flies and overall dirty food business premises, rodent droppings, bathrooms lacking soap, and staff not washing their hands. Other complaints ranged from reports of suspected food poisoning to a failure to display allergen information. The breakdown of complaints is as follows: 1,258 were regarding unfit food, 1,124 regarding hygiene standards, 1,122 regarding suspected food poisoning, 150 regarding labelling, 127 regarding allergen information, 63 regarding unregistered food business, and 214 regarding other issues. To receive news updates, sign up to the daily newsletter.
In conclusion, the significant increase in complaints to the FSAI advice line last year highlights a growing concern among consumers about the safety and quality of food in Ireland. This underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous food standards and regulation to protect the health and well-being of the public. As we move forward, it’s vital that we continue to monitor and address any issues that arise, ensuring that our food supply remains safe, reliable, and uncompromising.
