Members Present
- Rachael Elliott, Sodexho
- Steven Postle, Subway
- Ray Nangle, Fresh Today
- Ger Killian, The Lunchbag
- Donna Curry, Irish Hotels Federation
- Sylwia Adamczyk, SSP
- Louise Collins, Rocket Restaurants
- Bernadette Homer, Yum
- Ger Killian, The Lunchbag
Apologies
- Lana McGinn, Gather and Gather
- Mary Flynn, Irish Healthcare Catering Professionals Association
- Claire Ritchie, Yum
- Pat Crotty, Vintners Federation of Ireland
FSAI Staff Present
- Rob Phillips
- Alison Connor
- Sinead Murphy
- Sinead O’Mahony
- Jill Murphy
- Colette Dunne
- Elaine Madden
- Clodagh Crehan
1. Introduction
RP welcomed new members; Steven Postle, Subway, Ger Killian, the Lunchbag and Ray Nangle, Fresh Today to the Forum and opened the meeting.
2. Draft Minutes and Matters Arising
The Draft Minutes of the meeting 29th November 2024 were approved.
The eCommerce & Online Food Business Forum meeting will be deferred until the end of June to coincide with EU meetings.
3. Reformulation
Sinéad O’Mahony and Colette Dunne provided an update on the FSAI Taskforce on Reformulation. The presentation included a survey on the review of the healthiness of children's meals sold in the foodservice sector. There was a query on whether the samples of children’s meals (nuggets) contained a vegan option and FSAI agreed to make this clear in the report. The findings of this analysis will be used to benchmark the nutrient content of children’s meals sold in the foodservice sector in 2024 and inform recommendations to improve the nutrient quality of children’s meals in Irish foodservice outlets. Sinéad thanked the Forum for their support.
Actions:
- The presentation and links to reports will be circulated after the meeting.
4. FSAI Scientific Committee
Food Hygiene Rating Systems (FHRS)
RP updated the Group on the FSRS sub-group and reported there has been two meetings to date. A meeting took place with the FSA Wales around policy, IT and legalities and a 2nd discussion meeting took place with the British Takeaway and UK Hospitality Service. Donna Curry, Grand Hotel Group has joined the sub-committee on the FHRS.
Actions:
- Forum Members to please take part in the public consultation which will be circulated 20th May 2025.
- Forum Members to share the consultation with colleagues.
5. NSAI Standards Consultation
OD reported that the review of IS340 and IS341 is complete, and they will be circulated for consultation in the coming weeks.
Actions:
- Forum Members please contact FSAI if they have any further suggestions for membership.
6. Slushies containing Glycerol
In June 2024 FSAI issued precautionary advice in response to several incidents in the UK. Since then, additional research undertaken has suggested that older children could be affected. FSAI has reached out industry and undertaken a sampling exercise and has received a good engagement. FSAI will decide whether a revision of its advice is necessary and will keep the Forum informed.
7. Hot School Meals Programme (HSMP)
FSAI reported that the HSMP has grown considerably over the past 18 months and there have been several issues identified by the Environmental Health Service including schools being identified as FBO’s unintentionally. There is an inter-departmental group set up which will provide better guidance and standards, which can be integrated into the school’s service level agreements. This will ensure the hot school meal provider will be the FBO, not the school. There has been revised procurement documentation developed and guidance material which will be used by schools in future.
8. FSAI Learning Portal
FSAI reminded the Forum that it has excellent resources on the website with advice also available on procuring catering services.
9. ‘Not for EU’ Labelling
FSAI has been watching this closely since the introduction of the Windsor Framework and is happy that we have not seen any significant issues. FSAI asked the Forum to be mindful of anything being supplied ‘Not for EU’ is for Northern Ireland only. The next tranche to be added in July 2025 are composite products e.g. pizza.
Actions:
- Forum Members to report any issues they encounter to FSAI.
10. Public Health Alcohol Act
FSAI reminded the Forum this legislation is from the Tobacco and Alcohol Unit of the Department of Health and the Environmental Health Service will enforce this legislation.
Actions:
- FSAI will keep this item on the agenda and provide updates where possible,
11. AOB
There was no other business.