Members Present
- Claire Briody, Tesco
- Jen Miller, Ashbury Global
- Elizabeth Young, Retail Ireland
- Aoife Noonan, Lidl
- Ash Stretton, M&S
- Catherine Poole, Aldi
- Stephen Orhi, Boots
- Jenni O’Brien, Avoca
- Stacey Forsyth, Circle K
- Dimitrios Vouris, Dunnes Stores
- Aileen Nolan, Dunnes Stores
- Lucy O’Connor, Musgraves
- Frances Hayes, BWG
- Joanne Barry, Barry’s
- Clare Walsh, RGDATA
- Gareth Coburn, Sysco
FSAI Staff Present
- Rob Philips (RP)
- Alison Connor (AC)
- Ophelie Davies (OC)
- Clodagh Crehan (CC)
- Lisa O’Connor (LOC)
- Jill Murphy (JM)
- Vanessa Cooling (VC)
- Mary Lenahan (ML)
- Karl McDonald (KMcD)
- Julia le Jeune (JleJ)
- Claire Rogers (CR)
- Elaine Madden (EM)
- Shaun Smith (SS)
- Marta Martin-Aragon (MMA)
Apologies
- Tracey McDermott, Tesco
- Elaine Clohosey, BWG
1. Welcome and Apologies
RP welcomed everyone and noted apologies. RP asked that no AI recording/transcription take place at this or future meetings.
2. Minutes 27th March 2025
The draft minutes of the meeting were agreed without amendments.
3. Listeria monocytogenes
ML gave a presentation on Listeria monocytogenes and grouping products with similar characteristics to maximise testing carried out for shelf-life studies. There was a wide-ranging discussion on this topic. ML reported the FSAI is attending a working group with other Member States and draft FBO guidance has been sent to the EU Commission. It is hoped the guidance will be ready before the legislation change.
Actions:
- FSAI to circulate the presentation on Grouping Products with similar characteristics to maximise testing carried out for shelf-life studies to the Group.
4. Ready to Heat Meals and Listeria monocytogenes
LOC gave a presentation on the risks associated with ready to heat meals and Listeria monocytogenes. There has been a recall of various Bacon & Cabbage meals in Ireland and LOC reminded the Group of their obligations under 178/2002 Article 14 and Regulation 852/2004 Article 5. FSAI asked Members to consider whether consumers are given sufficient information on ready to heat meals to allow them to understand that the cooking instructions mean thoroughly cook and not just reheat for palatability purposes. Other questions were raised for Members to consider with their technical colleagues.
Actions:
- FSAI to circulate the presentation following the meeting.
- Members to share the presentation with their technical colleagues and reflect on the risk management questions raised in the presentation.
- FSAI welcomed any comments/questions from the Group on this topic.
5. FSAI Food Incidents – Food Recalls and Obligations
SS reminded Members of their obligations in food incidents. FSAI reported it had carried out spot checks and are very concerned about how food recalls are being actioned. The following concerns were raised; some Retailers had not taken any action, some stores removed product but didn’t quarantine it and it was restocked, some had no POS notice, and some POS notices were not accessible.
Actions:
- Members are asked to check with stores if their procedures are being followed.
- FSAI and NEHS will be carrying out spot checks and FSAI will contact stores where there are breaches and if issues are recurring it will escalate to enforcement.
6. UK Flour: Folic Acid Fortification
Members reported that suppliers are reaching out for information regarding implementation and asked what the expectation is and will there be a grace period. EM reported that there is no transition period for labelling and Members were asked what they are doing to ensure compliance with FIC regulations. Members reported they are trying to get all suppliers on board however volume lines are huge, and it is proving difficult. It was reported that Trading Standards UK will accept pragmatism for slightly over and under declarations.
Actions:
- M&S to share information from Trading Standards with FSAI.
- Members to continue to send queries to FSAI.
7. Drinking Water Directive
VC reported FSAI is leading a cross agency working group to support work around the implementation and practical application of the recast Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184 (DWD) exemption for Food Business Operators (FBO). The exemption applies to any FBO using water from its own private water supply for specific purposes of the food business. Regardless of the exemption all FBOs must comply with water potability requirements under food law – Regulation 852/2004/EC.
Actions:
- FSAI will provide further guidance throughout the year.
- Any questions can be sent to dwd@fsai.ie and up to date information can be found on the FSAI website.
8. Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
FSAI has held lots of meetings on this topic. FSAI thanked Members for sharing and completing the consultation. FSAI received over 500 responses and is analysing the data. Information gathered from the consultation will inform a comprehensive evaluation report, expected to be finalised in early 2026. The findings will support the FSAI in making an evidence-based recommendation to the Department of Health.
Actions:
- FSAI will publish a comprehensive evaluation report to be published in 2026.
9. Reformulation
The task force acknowledged and thanked the Retailers who had been requested to and granted access for in store data collection throughout July and August. The Retailer’s continued cooperation is greatly appreciated.
10. AOB
Slushies
FSAI reported the current advice is now under review and updated guideline swill follow once all the data is assessed.
Review of the Safe Catering Pack
A working group has been established to review the safe catering pack and a section on food donation and food safety culture will be added to the pack. The group is aiming to complete those sections by end 2025.
FSAI Learning Portal
The FSAI has a new module on pest control on the learning portal.
Action: FSAI to circulate a link to the learning portal.
Review of IS340 and IS341
The review is currently on hold and will recommence once a new officer has been appointed in the NSAI.
Terms of Reference
The ToR will be updated and circulated for consideration.