Members Present
- Claire Briody, Tesco
- Helen Norfolk, Ashbury Global
- Samira Nicolo, Retail Ireland
- Catherine Poole, Aldi
- Ash Stretton, M&S
- Clare Walsh, RGDATA
- Lucy O’Connor, Musgraves
- Jenni O’Brien, Avoca
- Stacey Forsyth, Circle K
- Dimitrios Vouris, Dunnes Stores
- Aileen Nolan, Dunnes Stores
- Elaine Clohosey, BWG
- Rachel Kennedy, Sysco
FSAI Staff Present
- Rob Philips (RP)
- Alison Connor (AC)
- Vanessa Cooling (VC)
- Cristina Fernandez-Bugallo (CFB)
- Sinéad O’Mahony (SOM)
- Jim McBrien (JMcB)
- Shay Hannon, Teagasc (SH)
- Susan Jenkinson (SJ)
Apologies
- Tracey McDermott, Tesco
- Gareth Cobrun, Sysco
- Stephen Orhi, Boots
1. Welcome and Apologies
RP welcomed everyone and noted apologies.
2. Minutes 15th July 2025
The draft minutes of the meeting were agreed.
3. National Prepared Consumer Food Centre: Driving Innovation in Ireland’s Food Industry – Shay Hannon, Teagasc
SH gave a presentation introducing Teagasc and its role in the food industry. The National Centre is supporting innovation, research and development for the Irish Prepared Consumer Foods Sector.
Actions:
- FSAI to circulate the presentation to the members.
4. Food Safety Culture Guidance Note
The FSAI published Guidance Note (GN) 44 on Food Safety Culture on 9th October 2025. CFB gave a presentation on food safety culture and the detail provided in the GN. There are questionnaires in the appendices that aim to provide a practical, structured approach for both internal development and external verification of Food Safety Culture.
Actions:
- FSAI to circulate the presentation following the meeting.
5. Draft Minutes 15th July 2025
There was a small change to the draft minutes that were previously circulated. FSAI is still receiving comments on Listeria monocytogenes.
Actions:
- Members to review minutes and contact AC after the meeting with any changes.
6. Listeria monocytogenes and Ready to Heat Meals
FSAI reported that the outbreak is not officially closed off. FSAI reminded members that RTH means thorough cooking, not reheating/rewarming for palatability. Industry may need to adapt and reconsider if they need to operate under the conditions applicable to RTE establishments. FSAI stressed the importance of very robust traceability to get the alert correct at the beginning, which applies to all links of the supply chain.
FSAI has circulated a consultation on a draft recommendation on safe manufacture of ready-to-heat and ready-to-eat foods to the Retail Forum for comment.
Actions:
- Members are asked to respond to FSAI with any comments within the deadline.
- FSAI thanked those who have commented on the document.
- FSAI will keep the Group updated on this topic.
7. UK Flour: Folic Acid Fortification
SJ provided an update on this topic, and it was noted that FBO’s should be preparing for the end of the transition period. The EU Commission granted exceptional and short-term flexibility. SJ reported that over-labels can be used.
Actions:
- Members with queries can contact SJ and colleagues after the meeting.
- FSAI published guidance for sourcing UK flour fortified with folic acid today.
8. Drinking Water Directive
VC gave a presentation on the Drinking Water Directive EU 2020/2184 Food Business Operator (FBO) Exemption. VC reported that from the 13th January 2026 a FBO using its own private water supply will be subject to the full requirements of the DWD unless they meet the exemption criteria set out in S.I. 99 of 2023.
Actions:
- FSAI to share the presentation with the Members.
- FSAI will continue to provide updates on this topic.
9. Food Hygiene Rating Schemes
FSAI reported that work is progressing as planned in this area. FSAI noted the quality and detailed responses received from industry to the consultation and is analysing the results. The results of the consultation will be published in early 2026.
Actions:
- FSAI will keep the Group updated on this topic.
10. Reformulation
Dr Sinéad O’Mahony reported the Reformulation Task Force has been extended until 2027 and will include thresholds for new product development. Extension of Food Reformulation Task Force Agreement | Food Safety Authority of Ireland
SOM thanked Retailers who have responded to the FSAI request to publish their commitment to reformulation and their progress against that commitment. FSAI will host a reformulation event on the 5th December 2025 and members are welcome to register to attend this in-person event. SO’M again thanked Retailers for allowing FSAI access to their stores.
Actions:
- Request to Retailers who have not yet responded to send an update by month end.
- FSAI to circulate the presentation to Members.
11. Terms of Reference
FSAI is drafting an updated terms of reference for the Retail Forum.
Actions:
- FSAI to circulate the updated terms of reference for consideration in early 2026.
12. Slushies
FSAI undertook a sampling programme in 2025 and noted overall compliance levels were good however there was a low level of compliance with signage. FSA UK are increasing the age limit on their slushie guidance. FSAI will undertake another survey in 2026 and will be engaging with industry on this topic in the future.
13. AOB
There was a query about the possibility of using API in RASFF food alerts.