The Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s (FSAI) food complaints advice line received an increase in calls of 12.5% during 2013, compared to 2012. Of the 13,269 queries and complaints, 2,846 related specifically to complaints by consumers about food and food premises (up 12.5% on 2012), while 10,429 involved requests for advice across a range of food-related areas (up 9% on 2012).
Complaints included a range of reports on food unfit to eat, inaccurate labelling, food poisoning and hygiene amongst others. The FSAI attributes the increase in calls to consumer awareness of the need to report bad practices in food businesses.
Edel Smyth, Information Manager, FSAI believes the increase of complaints to the FSAI is a positive development. “On one hand, more food businesses are contacting us seeking to raise their food safety standards while, on the other, consumers are increasingly vigilant and aware of the need to report bad practice or experiences they’ve had where food safety has been compromised.”
The FSAI Advice Line, which operates from 9am to 5pm weekdays, is manned by trained advisors and food scientists and can be reached on lo-call 1890 336677. Alternatively, anyone can email their enquiry to [email protected] or through the ‘make a complaint’ section of the FSAI website.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
