Surveillance
The FSAI continually implements the surveillance of food for the protection of public health. This monitoring is undertaken in conjunction with the official agencies and their associated laboratories.
Whilst the food industry bears the primary responsibility for placing safe food on the market, the Authorities are responsible for ensuring that the food industry meets its obligations. Monitoring of the food on the Irish market is one way in which the Authorities can protect consumers' health and interests.
Find out who does what in food safety surveillance
Food Safety Surveillance
Food safety surveillance falls into various categories - microbiological, chemical, genetically modified foods, irradiated foods and labelling.
Read more about these surveillance activities
Human Food/Waterborne Disease Surveillance
Notifiable diseases
Various public health agencies in Ireland are responsible for the surveillance of human infectious diseases. There is a statutory requirement for certain diseases to be notified to the chief medical officer in the Department of Health and Children. Some of these notifiable diseases have the potential to be transmitted via food or water.
Read more on notifiable diseases and laboratory reporting.
Outbreaks
Find information on outbreaks of human food/waterborne diseases here
Zoonoses
Zoonoses are diseases and infections which are naturally transmittable between vertebrate animals and man. The zoonoses which cause major concern are those transmitted through food and water and are responsible for the majority of reported and unreported foodborne illnesses. Read more on Zoonoses
Related Publications
Find publications related to the above topics
Last reviewed: 19/3/2009