A multi-authority investigation recently uncovered an illegal deer processing business – leading to all meat on site being sent for destruction, according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
The investigation involved the FSAI, Wicklow County Council and members of An Garda Síochána.
In a brief post on social media this afternoon (Friday, January 22), the authority outlined that the food business in question had been discovered in Co. Wicklow.
Upon discovery, a closure order was issued for the firm, the FSAI noted.
An investigation by the FSAI, Wicklow County Council and An Garda Síochána uncovered an unregistered and unsupervised deer processing food business in Wicklow.
“All meat and meat preparations discovered [were] sent for destruction to remove the threat to public health.
“Closure order served,” the authority concluded.
Image source: Food Safety Authority of Ireland
In an earlier warning issued to food businesses, including home enterprises, last month the authority stressed the relevant agencies that must be contacted prior to opening one’s doors.
The FSAI said: “You have to register your food business with a competent authority before you start operating, even if operating from home.”
- The local environmental health office (of the Health Service Executive);
- The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine;
- The Local Authority Veterinary Service;
- The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority.
Who you register with will depend on the type of business and whether foods of animal origin, for example meat, poultry, fish, etc, are handled or processed, the FSAI adds.