Members Present
- Elaine Clohosey, BWG
- Jen Miller, Ashbury Global
- Elizabeth Young, Retail Ireland
- Ciara Kane, Lidl
- Katie Creamer, Aldi
- Stephen Orhi, Boots
- Jenni O’Brien, Avoca
- Lucy O’Connor, Musgraves
- Tracey McDermott, Tesco
- Joanne Barry, Barry’s
- Clare Walsh, RGDATA
- Gareth Coburn, Sysco
- Dimitrios Vouris, Dunnes Stores
FSAI Staff Present
- Rob Philips
- Alison Connor
- Ophelie Davies
- Kristin Anderson
- Oonagh Lyons
- Clodagh Crehan
- Cristina Arroyo Casabona
- Jill Murphy
Apologies
- Circle K
- M&S
1. Welcome and Apologies
Rob welcomed everyone and noted apologies.
2. Minutes 23rd October 2024
The draft minutes of the meeting were agreed without amendments.
3. Food Hygiene Rating Systems (FHRS)
Rob updated the Forum on the FHRS working group. The working group has received presentations from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The 2nd Joint meeting covered industry representatives and the FSAI will bring people together for consultation. Rob welcomed any suggestions from the Retail Forum.
Actions:
- Retail Forum was asked to participate in the online consultation which will be available in the next 2 months.
- FSAI will circulate the consultation to all members, and members are asked to please distribute it widely to colleagues
4. Reformulation
Dr Oonagh Lyons attended the meeting and gave a presentation on the Reformulation progress to date. The Food Reformulation Task Force Progress Report will be published on the FSAI website soon, and the Food Reformulation Task Force: Monitoring reformulation progress in priority food categories 2024 report.
Actions:
- FSAI to circulate the presentation following the meeting.
- The FSAI will host a reformulation event at the end of 2025, similar to the event held 6th December 2025.
5. Public Health (alcohol) Act 2018
Dr Cristina Aroyo Casabona gave a presentation on the Public Health Alcohol Act 2018, and it was noted that the legislation was enacted in October 2018 and it is a Department of Health legislation. There is no provision for additional time after the commencement date and enforcement will be undertaken by the NEHS. It will be an offence to sell alcohol without the required health warnings and health information from the 22nd May 2026 and this applies to alcohol sold online (information on websites), in reusable containers (kegs) and licenced premises. FSAI reiterates that the information must not be confusing for consumers. There were some question asked to the FSAI via the Advice Line on requirements for multipacks, and information displayed in smaller containers, however, queries must be sent to the DoH for clarification.
Actions:
- All queries should be sent to the DoH (Tobacco and Alcohol Control Unit or HSE).
- FSAI to circulate the presentation.
6. ‘Not for EU’ Labelling
There was a discussion on ‘not for EU’ labelling and the legal requirements. FSAI stated that FBOs must ensure that the products are labelled correctly and are not misleading to consumers. The FSAI is tracking passive divergence and asked Members to be aware of the divergence in regulations on titanium dioxide. FSAI reported that it hasn’t seen a significant problem with divergence, however if product is found incorrectly labelled in RoI it will be redirected.
Actions:
- Members with any issues should contact the FSAI.
7. UK Flour: Folic Acid Fortification
The new bread and flour regulations require mandatory folic acid fortification are due in December 2026. UK Millers are planning to introduce this sooner, as early as July 2025. The FSAI is working with the DoH and are meeting the UK Millers Association in the coming weeks as current labels will be incorrect.
Actions:
- Members to contact the FSAI with any issues they have.
- FSAI to consider developing a questionnaire
8. AOB
FSAI Online Training
Action: FSAI to circulate the link to the new online training portal.
FSCC Open Meeting
AI and Food Safety was discussed at the recent FSCC Open Meeting, and a report will be available and circulated to the Group.
Glycerol in Slushies
The FSAI is revisiting its advice on the consumption of slushies at the request of the Chief Medical Officer and the FSAI will keep the Group updated.
EU Breakfast Directive
There has been no update to the EU Breakfast Directive.
Action: FSAI will keep this item on the agenda.