Annual Report submitted by Ireland for the period
from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018
PART I
1. Introduction
General
The information contained within the report was compiled from data supplied from 33 Official Agencies of the Food Safety Authority of
Ireland (FSAI) and from the various divisions of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
Every effort has been made to provide as comprehensive a report on Ireland’s official controls as is possible using current data
technologies employed by the Official Agencies. However, it has not proven possible to populate all cells in this model form in as
comprehensive a fashion as would be desirable. It should, therefore, be noted that an absence of an entry in a cell does not mean no
activity, only that it has not proven possible to effectively trap the relevant data.
Where no activity took place, a ‘nil’ or ‘0’ return has been made.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland
The FSAI is the competent authority with overall responsibility for the enforcement of food legislation in Ireland. The responsibility for
enforcement of food legislation is managed through service contracts between FSAI and a number of competent authorities, also
known as ‘official agencies.’ There were 33 such official agencies in 2018:
• The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine;
• The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority;
• The Health Service Executive;
• The Marine Institute;
• 28 Local Authorities (comprising of 27 County Councils and one City Council); and,
• The National Standards Authority of Ireland.
These official agencies are subject to audit by the Authority to verify the effectiveness and appropriateness of food controls and to
monitor conformance by official agencies with the terms and requirements of their respective service contracts. All Authority audit
reports and corrective action plans are published on the Authority’s website (www.fsai.ie).
The Authority retains some direct enforcement responsibility for specific areas of activity, for example the Authority is the competent
authority for irradiated food, genetically modified food and novel foods.
The FSAI is also the competent authority for the enforcement of the legislation on food contact materials in businesses that
manufacture, import, distribute and retail food packaging and other food contact materials. Inspections of Irish manufacturers and
importers of food contact materials are carried out by the National Standards Authority of Ireland, under service contract to the FSAI
while inspections of food businesses that use food contact materials are undertaken by the other official agencies operating under their
respective service contracts. These inspections include controls on the safe use of food contact materials.
DAFM - Dairy Controls and Certification Division (Milk & Milk Products Controls)
The Dairy Controls and Certification Division are responsible for carrying out official controls of milk and milk products at the level of
primary production, milk collection, processing and storage.
They are also responsible for controls relating to the composition and labelling of infant formulae and follow-on formulae intended to
be placed on the market in a Member State or intended for export to Third Countries.
Controls governing milk and milk products are required by Regulation (EC) Nos. 178/2002, 852/2004, 853/2004, 854/2004,
2073/2005 (microbiological criteria) as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) 1441/2007 and the sampling requirements of raw
milk under the national residue control plan drawn up under Council Directive 96/23/EC
In the infant formula sector controls are implemented in line with Directive 2006/141 (as amended), and Regulation No 609/2013 on
food intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes and total diet replacement for weight control (repealing
Directive 92/52 and Directive 1999/21)
Controls also take into account other cross-referenced legislation such as contaminants, additives and purity criteria, food contact
materials, labelling, traceability, etc
The Dairy Controls and Certification Division is also responsible for official controls on milk and milk products under Regulation
1069/2009 and Regulation 142/2011 (health rules concerning animal by-products not intended for human consumption) in milk
processing establishments and the disposal of such products as appropriate.
Sampling for chemical analysis is carried out to verify compliance with marketing standards set out in Regulation 1308/2013
establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products, assessment of compliance with SI 298/2003-European
communities (Dehydrated Preserved Milk) regulations 2003 and S.I. No 628 of 2016 giving effect to Directive 2015/2203 on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to caseins and caseinates intended for human consumption.
Official samples are submitted to the Dairy Science laboratories situated at Backweston, Limerick and Cork. These are the official
designated laboratories for testing samples taken during official controls and are accredited in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025
General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
DAFM – Pesticides
Section 2 of the National Control Plan for Ireland for the period from 1st January 2018 to the 31st December 2022 (MANCP) includes
details on the control of pesticide residues in food on the Irish market. These controls are carried out by the Pesticide Controls
Division of DAFM with the cooperation of the Pesticide Control Laboratory. The Pesticide Controls Division (PCD) is also responsible for
implementing controls associated with the marketing and use of Plant Protection Products (PPP) and the sustainable use of pesticides.
Performance Indicators and Results
Article 1(2) area
Strategic objective(s)
Operational objective(s)
Indicator(s) Target (%)
Result (%)
Assessment
Food and food
safety, integrity
and
wholesomeness
at any stage of
production,
processing and
distribution of
food
Ensure the
safety of milk
and milk
products at
primary
production,
collection,
processing and
storage.
Carry out risk-
based
inspections and
audits of milk
processing
plants, milk
purchasers,
collection
centres and
stores.
250 planned controls completed
under SOP24
100
(296)
85% High level of
compliance achieved
in 2018. 46 of 48
(96%) planned
controls were
completed in the high-
risk powder plants and
IFFOF plants
Carry out risk
based audits of
milk purchasers
and FBOs
collecting
/handling raw
milk
31 planned controls completed
under SOP23
100
(78)
40%
Carry out risk-
based
inspections of
milk production
holdings.
309 controls completed under
SOP23
100 309 controls
completed under
SOP23
Carry out risk-
based sampling
for food safety,
process
hygiene,
antibiotics and
heat treatment
verification as
per Reg.
2073/2005 (as
amended), Reg.
853/2004 and
Reg.
2074/2005.
10029 total samples food safety/
water/residues/chemical/dioxin/MOU
casein/ ABP/ IF composition
100 100% Targets achieved.
Additional focus on
Base Powder Hygiene
Monitoring for
Cronobacter sakazakii
at base powder plants
for the IFFOF industry
in 2018 based on
Article 14 of EU
Regulation 178/2002.
Process Hygiene
sampling plans were
affected during the
year due to staff
shortages in DSLs
Carry out risk-
based sampling
of water at milk
processing
establishments
for
microbiological
analysis
355 samples of water submitted for
analysis
100
(368)
96% Frequency minimum
every six months or
more frequently as
necessary at 184
establishments
(excluding primary
production, stores etc)
Carry out
controls at
infant formula/
and follow at
formula
establishments
to verify the
requirements of
Directive
2006/141/EC,
Regulation No
609/2013 and
Regulation
1881/2006
77 controls carried out at IFFOF
premises under SOP27 and SOP24
39 batches of IFFOF sampled for
contaminants
62 batches sampled for
compositional analysis
100 100% Procedures were
revised in 2018.
IFFOF controls now
captured on Dept IT
system from 2018
Contaminant sampling
and analysis program
2018 included 39
batches all 4 IFFOF
sites and base
sampling into IF for
Pesticides
audit of IFFOF own
controls, focused on
Contaminants and
Pesticides in 2018
20 batches of IFFOF
taken for label check
controls
62 batches of IFFOF
for Compositional
Analysis sampling and
testing plan 2018
Carry out risk-
based sampling
of milk under
the National
Residue
Monitoring Plan
1299 samples taken 100 100% 1 positive in 2018
reported form
sampling under NRP
Monitor the
chemical
composition of
dairy products
624 official samples taken for
chemistry analysis including
contaminants/ dioxins/ IFFOF
composition (summary of controls)
This equates to over
3400 individual tests
carried out on official
controls samples
Monitor Dioxins
and Dioxin-like
PCBs in raw
whole milk,
cream and
vegetable oils &
fats and IFFOF-
Regulation
1881/2006 (S.I.
No 218/2010).
10 samples taken 100 100%
Carry out
sampling of
casein/caseinate
for food safety
to support
export
certification in
line with MOU
with US FDA
373 samples taken n/a n/a Samples of product
intended export tested
for salmonella and
phosphatase base on
Memorandum of
Understanding with
the US
Carry out official
controls in milk
processing
establishments
(and follow up
as necessary)
with respect to
the
requirements of
Regulation
1069/2009 and
Regulation
142/2011
(Animal By
products in milk
and milk
product sector)
58 inspections /audits and 315
samples taken
n/a n/a
Carry out
reactive controls
at milk
processing
plants, milk
purchasers,
collection
centres and
stores.
494 controls carried out
n/a n/a These include follow
up controls to
inspections, audits
and sampling and
includes export
certification checks,
registration/approvals,
re-import related
issues (BIPs), and
other official requests
and complaints.
Follow up
related
inspections of
milk production
holdings
41 Follow up inspections n/a n/a Follow up inspections
on farms to ensure
close out of non-
compliances
2. Measures taken to ensure the effective operation of the Multi-Annual National Control Plan, including
enforcement action and the results of such measures
Actions taken to ensure the effective operation of official control services
Pesticides
The pesticides monitoring programme is reviewed on an annual basis to take account of the most recent monitoring information,
RASFF notifications and requests by the Commission.
The scope and capacity of laboratory is reviewed and incorporated into the plan. Annual meetings to review progress are held with
FSAI.
All staff receive regular training including appropriate BTSF courses.
Where residues are detected in foods, FSAI and PCD follow an agreed documented procedure for maximum residue level breaches.
This procedure is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains in line with best practice. Where residues that exceed the maximum
residue level are detected, follow-up action is taken by the PCD, in consultation with FSAI.
All national breaches of MRL legislation are followed up with an on-farm inspection by the PCD Enforcement officer.
Dairy Controls and Certification Division (DCCD)
See insert below for measures taken by DCCD to ensure the effective operation of the Multi-Annual National Control Plan, including
enforcement action and the results of such measures
Programme reviews.
Activity relevant to Dairy Controls:
• Meetings which took place in 2018:
o 1 Supervisory Issues Working Group
o 2 FSAI Liaison Meeting
o 1 Micro Criteria Working Group
o 1 IF FOF meeting
o 4 Export Certification meetings
o 1 Business Plan Meetings
o 1 MANCP Board meetings
o 3 Meetings of regional Managers
o 17 Special memoranda issued to staff
o 114 supervisory controls undertaken in to monitor
effectiveness of official controls
New guidance documents New documents are circulated as they become available.
Training programmes
• Dairy Officers attended the following training during 2018
o 2 Dairy Technology & Engineering Training Course-
25 Participants
o 1 FSAI - Workshop on Rules for Microbiological
Sampling and Testing -3 Participants
o 1 Listeria conference Moorepark - 20 Participants
o 1 Milk Quality Workshop Moorepark / athlone - 30
Participants
o 1 Food Process Engineering Principles Workshop- 1
Participants
o 2 BTSF - HACCP - 2 Participants
o 1 ASA conference - 1 Participants
o 2 IDF Analytical Week - 2 Participants
o 1 IDF World Dairy summit Belfast- 3 Participants
o 1 Regulation 625/2017 Training for DAFM
Inspectorate Staff -20 Participants
Special initiatives
Activity relevant to Dairy Controls:
• A number of working groups were on going in 2018
including on laboratory related issues to develop a
checklist on microbiological methods in food testing
laboratories, a review group updating farm inspection
checklists, official procedures of auditing the industry
against compliance with food information to consumers
legislation 1169-2011, compliance checklist with water
directives legislation
• Further capture of official controls throughout 2018 on
DAFM IT system for reporting official controls (AFIT).
There were no judicial measures taken by Dairy Controls and Certification Division in 2018
The following administrative measures were taken:
Dairy Controls
Notification of proposal to suspend/ revoke approval and/or
registration (PRO) 5
Notification of decision to suspend/revoke approval and/or
registration (DEC) 6
Proposal to Approve or Conditionally Approve or Register
(APPR) or Approve additional activities
Pesticides
The pesticides monitoring programme is reviewed on an annual basis to take account of the most recent monitoring information, RASFF notifications and requests by the Commission.
The scope and capacity of laboratory is reviewed and incorporated into the plan. Annual meetings to review progress are held with FSAI.
All staff receive regular training including appropriate BTSF courses.
Where residues are detected in foods, FSAI and PCD follow an agreed documented procedure for maximum residue level breaches. This procedure is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains in line with best practice. Where residues that
exceed the maximum residue level are detected, follow-up action is taken by the PCD, in consultation with FSAI.
All national breaches of MRL legislation is followed up with an on-farm inspection by the PCD Enforcement officer.
Plant Health
Official surveys were carried out for the relevant harmful organisms in the Annexes of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. All positive findings were notified, and appropriate measures were taken for eradication or containment as necessary.
3. Amendments to the Multi-Annual National Control Plan
None
4. Fees or Charges
None, except:-
• Fees are charged for controls that fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No. 669/2009 (Pesticides)
PART II
1. Food and food safety, integrity and wholesomeness at any stage of production, processing and distribution of food, including rules aimed at ensuring fair practices in trade and protecting consumer interests and
information, and the manufacture and use of materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
1.1 Overall conclusion on the level of compliance achieved
Poultry
The level of compliance in poultry is relatively good and operators are aware of their requirements.
Horticulture & Plant Health Division
Responsible for implementing controls relating to fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as honey. The controls are required by legislation and relate to general food hygiene in terms of fruit and vegetable production. The following EU legislation is applicable: Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, Regulation (EC) No 852/2004, Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 as
amended, Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006, Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Commission Implementing Regulation (EC) No. 208/2013, Commission Regulation (EC) No. 209/2013, Commission Regulation (EC) No. 210/2013
and Commission Regulation (EC) No. 211/2013.
In 2018 there were 71 operators/establishments that received full inspections, a total of 97 inspections were conducted (72 initial and 25 follow up inspections). Of these 71 operators/establishments, 63 were found to have some non-
compliance detected, leading to 74 compliance notices (legal notices) being issued. However, the majority of non-compliances were minor (40 legal notices). There were 29 significant non compliances and 5 serious non-compliances.
Generally, the non-compliances found during can be easily rectified and do not represent a risk to public health.
The five serious non-compliances were served legal notices requiring immediate action as the non-compliances identified represented a serious threat to public health. These eight serious non-compliances were mainly due to the detection of
pathogens.
Honey
A total of 9 beekeepers were inspected.
8 Hygiene inspections conducted on apiaries in 2018 identified some deficiencies however none of these inspections
identified significant issues.
7 animal remedies inspections conducted on apiaries in 2018 identified some minor non-compliances however none of
these inspections identified significant non-compliances
8 honey labelling inspections conducted at apiary level in 2018 identified some minor non-compliances none of these identified significant non-compliances.
Under the National Residue Control Plan (NRCP) 85 samples of honey were analysed. Out of these 85 sampled one non-compliance was identified. Lead was found in a honey sample, this level exceeded acceptable limits. This is low risk as only
one batch of honey produced, and honey is not sold by the producer. Contamination source was discussed with beekeeper and sampling and follow-up investigation will take place in Autumn 2019, this is due to the seasonal nature of honey production.
1.2 Official controls on operators/establishments
Approved establishments Number of establishments Number of official controls performed
General activity establishments (cold stores, re-wrapping and re-packing establishments, wholesale markets, reefer vessels)
430
Meat of domestic ungulates 440 6790
Meat from poultry and lagomorphs 248 3434
Meat of farmed game 44 1082
Wild game meat 53 672
Minced meat, meat preparations and mechanically separated meat
(MSM)
300 4014
Meat products 206 2703
Live bivalve molluscs 57
Fishery products 323 2714
Colostrum, raw milk, colostrum-based and dairy products 182 2600
Egg and egg products 367
73 Egg Packing Centres
483 77 on Egg Packing
Centres
Frogs' legs and snails
Rendered animal fats and greaves
Treated stomach, bladders and intestines 0 0
Gelatine 0 0
Collagen 0 0
Highly refined chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronic acid, other hydrolysed
cartilage products, chitosan, glucosamine, rennet, isinglass and amino acids (HRP)
0 0
Honey 862 123
Sprouts 2 10
Growing of crops (NACE1 codes 01.11 to 01.14 and 01.19 to 01.28) 1249 478
Animal production (NACE codes 01.41 to 01.49)
18000 dairy herds
256 Egg Producers 116 Poultry Meat Producers
9 Duck Egg Producers 3 Quail Egg Producers 762 Beekeepers
350 planned and
reactive (not including OMPEs)
controls performed on dairy herds
824 controls performed on Egg
Producers 6 official controls
performed on Duck Egg Producers
2 official controls performed on Quail
Egg Producers
Mixed farming (NACE code 01.50)
Hunting (NACE code 01.70)
Fishing (NACE codes 03.11 and 03.12)
1 Statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community (NACE).
Aquaculture (NACE codes 03.21 and 03.22)
Processing and preserving of fruit and vegetables (NACE codes 10.31, 10.32 and 10.39)
Manufacture of vegetable oils and fats (NACE code 10.41 and 10.42)
Manufacture of grain mill products, starches and starch products
(NACE codes 10.61 and 10.62)
Manufacture of bakery and farinaceous products (NACE codes 10.71
to 10.73) 669 Bakeries 479 Inspections
Manufacture of other food products (NACE codes 10.81 to 10.86 and
10.89) 328 1012 Inspections
Manufacture of beverages (NACE codes 11.01 to 11.07) 157 222
Wholesale (NACE codes 46.31, 46.34, 46.36, 46.37 and 46.39) 1184 875
Retail (NACE codes 47.11, 47.21 to 47.25, 47.29, 47.76, 47.81, 47.91
and 47.99) 12692 10217
Transport and storage (NACE codes 49.20, 50.20, 50.40, 51.21 and
52.10) 231 125
Food and beverage service activities (NACE codes 55.10, 56.10,
56.21, 56.29 and 56.30) 24497 26958
Others
Establishments producing food contact materials
1.3 Official controls requiring the continuous or regular presence of staff or representatives of the competent authorities on operators’ premises
Types of operators' premises Number of
establishments
Number of official controls performed (number of carcasses or
weight per tonnes) Rejections
Meat of domestic ungulates slaughterhouses 168 332760 official controls 227
Meat from poultry and lagomorphs slaughterhouses
52 346348 9
Meat of farmed game slaughterhouses 4 282 0
Wild game meat – Game-handling establishments
2 36 0
1.4 Official controls on products/goods by horizontal rule and food category
By horizontal rule
Microbiological criteria
Pesticides in food
Contaminants in food
Residues
of veterinary medicinal
products in food
Labelling, nutritional and health
claims
Genetically Modified
Organisms (GMOs) in
food
Improvement agents
(additives,
enzymes, flavourings,
processing aids)
Irradiation
Contamination by/migration of
food contact
materials
Others
By food category
1. Dairy
products and analogues
10029 no of official samples
taken by DCCD
staff for FS/ Salmonella monitoring/
hygiene monitoring /
process hygiene/
Antibiotics/Heat treatment verification
63 434
10 (Dioxins)
1200
samples of milk
under implement
ation of
the National Residue
Monitoring
13 label checks
under FIC 1169/201
1
4 19
353 water samples
624 official samples taken for chemistry analysis resulting in over 3700 parameters analysed (including contaminants/ dioxins/ IFFOF
composition)
373 samples of casein/caseinate were taken for food safety to support export certification in line with MOU with US FDA
219 samples taken with respect to the requirements of Regulation 1069/2009 and Regulation 142/2011
2. Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
25 330 132 8 101
3. Edible ices 1221 31 6 38
4. Fruit and
vegetables 1887 747 186 9 119 9 355
5. Confectionery 349 558 45 237 767
6. Cereals and
cereal products
898 1130 33 39 632
7. Bakery wares
8. Fresh meat
Domestic
ungulates*
Poultry and lagomorphs*
Farmed
game*
Wild game*
9. Minced meat, meat
preparations and MSM
15488 760 5 1 508
Minced meat*
Meat preparations*
MSM*
10. Meat products
Treated
stomachs, bladders and intestines*
Gelatine, collagen and HRP*
11. Fish and
fisheries products
2110 1964 1 41 210
Live bivalve molluscs*
Fishery
products*
12. Eggs and egg products
869 29 15 Dioxin 262 vet
med residues
1 Quail egg based
on FIC cross report
from FSAI
3
13. Sugar,
syrups, honey and
table-top sweeteners
12 (10 honey
NRCP)
16 (honey NRCP)
61 (honey NRCP)
44 (honey quality
and
labeling)*
9
2 Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on food intended for infants and young children, food for special medical
purposes, and total diet replacement for weight control and repealing Council Directive 92/52/EEC, Commission Directives 96/8/EC, 1999/21/EC, 2006/125/EC and
2006/141/EC, Directive 2009/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulations (EC) No 41/2009 and (EC) No 953/2009 (OJ L 181, 29.6.2013,
p. 35).
14. Salts, spices,
soups, sauces, salads and protein products
1668 1165 21 181 9 525
15. Foods
intended for particular
nutritional uses as defined by
Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the
Council2
1785 samples food safety/
process hygiene and
hygiene
monitoring samples
97 controls at
infant formula/ follow at formula
establishm
ents (includes 20 label
checks) 111
batches
sampled
to verify the
requirements of
Directive 2006/141/
EC, Regulation
No 609/2013
and Regulation
1881/2006
(10
batches for dioxin analysis/
62
samples for
composition analysis
/39 batches
for contamina
nts
analysis)
(DCCD)
16. Beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages*
2246 3295 5 175 3582
Alcoholic
beverages,
including alcohol-free and low-
alcohol counterparts*
5 12 481 40 144 291
17. Ready-to-eat
savouries and snacks
18. Desserts excluding
3 Directive 2002/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 June 2002 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to food supplements
(OJ L 183, 12.7.2000, p. 51).
products covered in categories 1,
3 and 4
19. Food supplements
as defined in point (a) of Article 2 of Directive 2002/46/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council3
excluding food supplements
for infants and young children
20. Processed
foods not covered by
categories 1 to 17, excluding foods for
infants and young children
20
21. Others –
foods not covered by categories 1 to 20
3126 61 444 27 17 380
Food contact
materials
1.5 Comment box*
Poultry: In addition to the official controls recorded above Marketing Standards inspections were also performed
Pesticide Samples additional to above:
• Juice: 20
• Infant formula and follow on formula: 37
• Other infant food: 20
• Tea: 4
Horticulture and Plant Health
115 samples of Potatoes and other vegetables were submitted for Cd and Pb analysis, with 2 being non-compliant.
33 samples of lettuce, spinach and rocket were submitted for nitrates, all satisfactory.
38 samples of apple juice taken for patulin analysis with 1 being non-compliant, however the sample taken of this lot as per official
sampling methods was compliant.
Food of plant origin on the Irish market is generally compliant with contaminants/hygiene legislative requirements. There is a high level of compliance with contaminants legislation and samples are generally compliant with maximum levels. All samples of apple
juice tested complied with the ML for patulin. All samples of lettuce/ spinach/ rocket complied with the ML for nitrates.
All samples of horticultural produce complied with the ML for Pb. There were some exceedances for Cd, but research on mitigation
strategies is on-going with follow up being carried out with those cases found to exceed the limit. Some 18 pesticide control inspections were carried out in 2018 on behalf of the Pesticide Control Division, these have been included in the table above.
There were some 2368 quality and labelling checks carried out by Horticulture and Plant Health Division in 2018, 1938 of these at
retail level, 379 at wholesale level, 49 at import stage and 2 at export stage. All non-compliance detected was dealt with issuance of failure notifications and warning letters. As these checks do not fall under the remit of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, numbers are not noted
in table 1.4 above.
The official controls noted above in the “other” column are full food safety inspections carried out at establishments where a number
of different parameters are controlled i.e. microbiological, labelling, pesticides and contamination by food contact materials.
Honey:
15 honey hygiene/animal remedies related inspections took place in addition to samples listed in Table 1.4 for honey.
1.6 Non-compliances Actions
/measures
Non-compliances of operators / establishments
Administrative Judicial
Total number of controlled operators/establishments
Number of controlled operators /
establishments where non-compliances were detected
Structural Operational
Approved establishments
General activity establishments (Cold stores, re-
wrapping and re-packing establishments, wholesale
markets, reefer vessels)
Meat of domestic ungulates 1244 440 307
Meat from poultry and lagomorphs 790 248 181
Meat of farmed game 231 44 38
Wild game meat 200 53 37
Minced meat, meat preparations and mechanically
separated meat
Meat products 720 206 160
Live bivalve molluscs
Fishery products 117(LA) +226 (SFPA) 30(LA) + 292 (SFPA) 239(LA) +127(SFPA)
Colostrum, raw milk, colostrum-based and dairy
products
4 major non-compliances in audit/inspection programme
36 moderate non-
compliances in audit / inspection programme
182 108
977 minor non-compliances in audit and inspection programme
Egg and egg products 33 73 egg packing centre 18 33
Frogs' legs and snails
Rendered animal fats and greaves
Treated stomach, bladders and intestines
Gelatine
Collagen
Highly refined chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronic acid,
other hydrolysed cartilage products, chitosan,
glucosamine, rennet, isinglass and amino acids
Honey
Sprouts 2 2
Registered operators / establishments
Growing of crops (NACE codes 01.11 to 01.30) 71 63
Animal production (NACE codes 01.41 to 01.49) 0 FCN1 minor NCs.
132 FCN2 moderate ncs.
970 FCN3 minor ncs.
157 Hen Egg, 1 Quail Egg
18000
256 Hen Egg
producers, 9 Duck Egg, 3 Quail Egg
200
136 Hen Egg,
1 Quail Egg
158
Mixed farming (NACE code 01.50)
Hunting (NACE code 01.70)
Fishing (NACE codes 03.11 and 03.12)
Aquaculture (NACE codes 03.21 and 03.22)
Processing and preserving of fruit and vegetables
(NACE codes 10.31, 10.32 and 10.39)
Manufacture of vegetable oils and fats (NACE code
10.41)
Manufacture of grain mill products, starches and
starch products (NACE codes 10.61 and 10.62)
Manufacture of bakery and farinaceous products
(NACE codes 10.71 to 10.73) 261 669
Manufacture of other food products (NACE codes
10.81 to 10.86 and 10.89)
1no. Cat 1 major non-compliance in audit /
inspection programme
0 Cat 2 moderate non-compliances in audit
/inspection programme
6 Cat 3 minor non-compliances in audit / Inspection programme
11 2
Manufacturers of beverages (NACE codes 11.01 to
11.07) 131 157
Wholesale (NACE codes 46.31, 46.34, 46.36, 46.37
and 46.39)
Retail (NACE codes 47.21 to 47.25, 47.29, 47.76,
47.81, 47.91 and 47.99) 6579 12692
Transport and storage (NACE codes 49.20, 50.20,
50.40, 51.21 and 52.10)
9 226 20
0 Cat 1 major non-compliance in audit/ inspection programme,
1 Cat 2
moderate non-compliance in
audit/ inspection progamme
53 Cat3 minor non-compliances in audit/
inspection programme
Restaurants and mobile food service (NACE code
56.10)
14498 24497
Event catering and other food service (NACE codes
56.21 and 56.29)
Beverage serving activities (NACE code 56.30)
Establishments producing food contact materials
Non-compliances of food Actions/measures
Non-compliances detected during official controls performed
Administrative Judicial Microbiological
criteria
Pesticides in
food
Contaminants in
food
Residues of
veterinary medicinal
products in food
Labelling, nutritional
and health claims
Improvement
agents (additives, enzymes,
flavourings, processing
aids)
Others
1. Dairy products
and analogues
21 including 8
food safety alerts
5 4 0 30
36 non-
compliance reports issued
0
28 process hygiene alerts
issued
2. Fats and oils and fat and oil
emulsions
3. Edible ices 12
4. Fruit and vegetables 21 23 3 1 18 4
5. Confectionery 7 24 2 14
6. Cereals and cereal products 16 7 6 19 29
7. Bakery wares
8. Fresh meat
Domestic ungulates*
Poultry and lagomorphs*
Farmed game*
Wild game*
9. Meat preparations
Minced meat, meat preparation
and MSM*
10. Meat
products 320 40 2 47 23
Treated stomachs, bladders and
intestines*
Gelatine, collagen and HRP*
11. Fish and fisheries products
14 7 1 1
Live bivalve molluscs*
Fishery products *
12. Eggs and egg
products 15
13. Sugar, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
1 2
14. Salts, spices, soups, sauces,
salads and protein
products
11 10 11 2 8
15. Foods intended for
particular nutritional uses as defined by Directive 2009/39/EC
5 3 5
16. Beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages* 27 3 4 22
Alcoholic beverages, including alcohol-free and low-
alcohol
counterparts*
4 18
17. Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
4 1 1
18. Desserts
excluding products covered in
categories 1, 3 and 4
19. Food supplements as defined in Directive 2002/46/EC excluding food supplements
for infants and young children
20. Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to
17, excluding foods for infants and young children
21. Others –
foods not 44 8 16 31
covered by categories 1 to 20
Non-compliances related to horizontal rules Actions/measures
Non-compliances detected during official controls performed Administrative Judicial
GMOs in food:
Unauthorised GMOs
Labelling of GMOs
Irradiation
Novel foods
Food contact materials
Fraudulent and deceptive practices
1.7 Comment box*
Pesticide residues in food
Irish origin
In the case of 5 domestic samples (Leek, 2 kale, potatoes, swedes) MRLs were exceeded. No risk to the consumer was identified. The FSAI was informed and were provided with risk assessments. The enforcement officer followed up with farm
visits. These growers will be targeted for sampling in 2019 (Regulation (EC) 396/2005).
Non- Irish origin
24 samples exceeded the MRL. 22 were from third countries and 2 from EU countries. No consumer risk was identified because of these breaches. The FSAI were informed of all exceedances and risk assessments were submitted. The relevant
FBOs were informed along with the CODEX contact point for the country of origin. All produce from the same sources will be targeted for sampling in 2019(Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005).
There was one MRL exceedance for import control samples. There was no risk to the consumer identified, however when 50% uncertainty was applied it was decided to reject the consignment which was subsequently destroyed (Regulation (EC) N0. 669/2009).
Horticulture and Plant Health
Food of plant origin is generally compliant with microbiological criteria. Five serious non-compliances were issued to primary producers of fruit and vegetables in 2018 for microbiological non-compliances including listeria monocytogenes in
microgreens and salad leaves. There was also a sample of salad leaves tested positive for the presence of the STEC stx2 gene. Follow-up inspections were performed to identify the cause of the contamination and appropriate controls measures
were put in place by the FBOs.
All Process Hygiene samples were found to be compliant.
Water used for irrigation and washing of RTE food was found to be non-compliant in 13 samples. Water non-compliances
were reported for samples due to the presence of E coli/ Enterococci.
The one non-compliant honey sample is for lead contamination and found as a result of testing under the NRCP. Lead was found in a honey sample, this level exceeded acceptable limits. This is low risk as only one batch of honey was produced
and honey is not sold by the producer. Contamination source was discussed with beekeeper and sampling and follow-up investigation will take place in Autumn 2019, this is due to the seasonal nature of honey production.
Two samples with NCs in relation to honey are for labelling issues in relation to pollen content.
2. Deliberate release into the environment of GMOs for the purpose of food and feed production.
2.1 Overall conclusion on the level of compliance achieved
2.2 Official controls
Number of official controls
performed
Commercial cultivation of GMOs for the purpose of food and feed production (Part C of Directive
2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council4)
Experimental releases of GMOs related to food and feed (Part B of Directive 2001/18/EC)
Seeds for the purpose of food and feed production
2.3 Comment box*
4 Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 March 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms
and repealing Council Directive 90/220/EEC (OJ L 106, 17.4.2001, p. 1).
2.4 Non-compliances Actions/measures
Detected during official controls
performed
Total number of controlled operators*
Number of controlled operators where non-
compliances were detected* Administrative Judicial
Commercial cultivation of GMOs for
the purpose of food and feed
production
Experimental releases of GMOs
related to food and feed
Seeds for the purpose of food and
feed production
Unauthorised GMOs in seeds
Labelling of GMOs in seeds
Fraudulent and deceptive practices
2.5 Comment box*
3. Feed and feed safety at any stage of production, processing and distribution of feed and the use of feed, including rules aimed at ensuring fair practices in trade and protecting consumer health,
interests and information
3.1 Overall conclusion on the level of compliance achieved
Overall, there was a high level of compliance demonstrated. No major non-compliances were found relating to the safety of the feed. Non-compliances found during inspections mainly concerned deficient sample storage, deficient HACCP plans,
labelling, hygiene issues and traceability. Analytical non-compliances related mainly to nutritional constituents being out of tolerance with declared values.
3.2 Official controls
By establishments Number of establishments Number of official controls performed
Establishments approved according to Article 10 of Regulation
(EC) No 183/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council5 894 439
Establishments registered according to Article 9 of Regulation (EC)
No 183/2005, with the exclusion of primary production 46 11
Primary producers approved according to Article 10 of Regulation
(EC) No 183/2005 1453 479
Primary producers registered according to Article 9 and complying
with provisions in Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 131715 287
Operators (farmers) using feed 130169 285
Operators manufacturing and/or trading medicated feedingstuffs 70 117
5 Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 January 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene (OJ L 35, 8.2.2005, p. 1).
By horizontal rule Number of official controls performed
Labelling of feed 1547
Traceability of feed 918
Additives in feed (Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the
Council6) 869
Undesirable substances in feed (Article 2 of Directive 2002/32/EC of the European Parliament
and of the Council7 ) 4477
Prohibited materials in feed (Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 of the European
Parliament and of the Council8 ) 33
Medicated feedingstuffs (Council Directive 90/167/EC9) 172
Pesticides in feed 127
GMOs in feed 2
3.3 Comment box*
6 Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition (OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 29).
7 Directive 2002/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 May 2002 on undesirable substances in animal feed (OJ L 140, 30.5.2002, p. 10).
8 Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed, amending European Parliament
and Council Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 and repealing Council Directive 79/373/EEC, Commission Directive 80/511/EEC, Council Directives 82/471/EEC, 83/228/EEC,
93/74/EEC, 93/113/EC and 96/25/EC and Commission Decision 2004/217/EC (OJ L 229, 1.9.2009, p. 1).
9 Council Directive 90/167/EC of 26 March 1990 laying down the conditions governing the preparation, placing on the market and use of medicated feedingstuffs in the
Community (OJ L 92, 7.4.1990, p. 42).
3.4 Non-compliances Actions/measures
By establishment
Detected during
official controls performed
Total number
of controlled establishments
Number of controlled
establishments
where non-compliances were
detected
Administrative Judicial
Establishments approved according to Article 10 of
Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 566 182 68 566 0
Establishments registered according to Article 9 of
Regulation (EC) No 183/2005, with the exclusion of primary production
5 10 1 5 0
Primary producers approved according to Article 10
of Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 144 160 32 144 0
Primary producers registered according to Article 9
and complying with provisions in Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 183/2005
0 283 0 0 0
Operators (farmers) using feed 5 281 1 5 0
Operators manufacturing and/or trading medicated
feedingstuffs 81 13 13 81 0
By horizontal rule Number of non-compliances found Administrative Judicial
Product non-compliance:
Labelling/traceability of feed placed/to be placed
on the market
155 155 0
Product non-compliance:
Safety of feed placed/to be placed on the market 1 1 0
Additives in feed 0 0 0
Undesirable substances in feed 12 12 0
Prohibited materials in feed 13 13 0
Medicated feedingstuffs 0 0 0
Pesticides in feed 0 0 0
Unauthorised GMOs in feed 0 0 0
Labelling of GMOs in feed 0 0 0
Fraudulent and deceptive practices
None Detected
3.5 Comment box*
4. Animal health requirements
4.1 Overall conclusion on the level of compliance achieved
4.2 Official controls
Number of holdings/
establishments
Number of official
controls performed
Number of animals registered
(beginning of year)
Number of animals
checked
Identification and registration of bovine
animals
Identification and registration of ovine and
caprine animals
Approved assembly centres (bovine, ovine,
caprine, porcine, equine)
Approved dealers (bovine, ovine, caprine,
porcine)
Control posts (Council Regulation (EC) No
1255/9710)
Approved bodies, institutes and centres
(Council Directive 92/65/EEC11)
10 Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 of 25 June 1995 concerning Community criteria for control posts and amending the route plan referred to in the Annex to Directive
91/628/EEC (OJ L 174, 2.7.1997, p. 1).
11 Council Directive 92/65/EEC of 13 July 1992 laying down animal health requirements governing trade in and imports into the Community of animals, semen, ova and
embryos not subject to animal health requirements laid down in specific Community rules referred to in Annex A (I) to Directive 90/425/EEC (OJ L 268, 14.9.1992, p. 54).
Establishments approved for EU trade of
poultry and hatching eggs
Bird quarantine establishments
Aquaculture production businesses
Authorised aquaculture animals processing
establishments
Semen collection centres:
Bovine*
Porcine*
Ovine/caprine*
Equine*
Semen storage centres:
Bovine*
Ovine/caprine*
Equine*
Embryo collection / production teams:
Bovine*
Porcine*
Ovine/caprine*
Equine*
4.3 Comment box*
4.4 Non-compliances Actions/measures
Number of holdings/
establishments
with non-compliances
Number of holdings/
establishments
with penalties imposed
Suspension
of approval
Withdrawal
of approval
Restriction of movements of
individual animals
Restriction of movements of all
animals
Destruction of
animals
Identification and
registration of
bovine animals
Affected animals
Affected holdings
Affected animals
Affected holdings
Affected animals
Affected holdings
Identification and
registration of
ovine and caprine
animals
Approved
assembly centres
(bovine, ovine,
caprine, porcine,
equine)
Approved dealers
(bovine, ovine,
caprine, porcine)
Control posts
(Regulation (EC)
No 1255/97)
Approved bodies,
institutes and
centres (Directive
92/65/EEC)
Establishments
approved for EU
trade of poultry
and hatching eggs
Bird quarantine
establishments
Aquaculture
production
businesses
Authorised
aquaculture
animals
processing
establishments
Semen collection
centres:
Bovine*
Porcine*
Ovine/caprine*
Equine*
Semen storage
centres:
Bovine*
Ovine/caprine*
Equine*
Embryo collection
/ production
teams:
Bovine*
Porcine*
Ovine/caprine*
Equine*
Fraudulent and deceptive practices
4.5 Comment box*
5. Prevention and minimisation of risks to human and animal health arising from animal by-products
and derived products
5.1 Overall conclusion on the level of compliance achieved
5.2 Official controls
By establishment/plant Number of
establishments/plants Number of official controls performed
Establishments or plants approved according to Article 24 of
Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the
Council12
Establishments or plants registered according to Article 23 of
regulation (EC) No 1069/2009
By horizontal rule Number of official controls performed
Labelling and traceability of animal by-products/derived products
5.3 Comment box*
12 Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived
products not intended for human consumption and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 (Animal by-products Regulation) (OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, p. 1).
5.4 Non-compliances Actions/measures
By establishments/plants Total number of
controlled establishments/plants
Number of controlled establishments/plants where
non-compliances were detected Administrative Judicial
Establishments or plants approved according to
Article 24 of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009
Establishments or plants registered according to
Article 23 of regulation (EC) No 1069/2009
By horizontal rule Number of non-compliances found Administrative Judicial
Product non-compliance: labelling and traceability of
animal by-products/derived products:
Categories 1 and 2*
Category 3*
Product non-compliance: safety of animal by-
products/derived products:
Categories 1 and 2*
Category 3*
Fraudulent and deceptive practices
5.5 Comment box*
6. Welfare requirements for animals
6.1 Overall conclusion on the level of compliance achieved
In accordance with Article 8(1) and (2) and Annex IV to Commission Decision 2006/778/EC , Member States will fulfil the requirements of Article 113(1)(b) to (d) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 for this area, by reporting the required information in the tables defined in Annex IV to the Decision 2006/778/EC.
6.2 Analysis and action plan for animal welfare on farms
6.3 Animal welfare during transport
Protection of
animals during transport
(by species)
Number
of official controls
performed
Number and category of non-compliances Measures taken by the authorities
1. Fitness
of animals
2. Transport practices,
space allowance,
height
3. Means
of transport
4. Water,
feed, journey
and resting times
5. Documents
6. Other
Penalties imposed Enforcement and
exchanges of information
Bovine 1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
Porcine animals 1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
Ovine/ Caprine 1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
Equidae 1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
Poultry 1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
Other 1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
1 (number) 2 (number)
3 (number) 4 (number)
5 (number) 6 (number)
6.4 Analysis and action plan for animal welfare during transport
6.5 Animal welfare at slaughter
6.6 Comment box*
7. Protective measures against pests of plants
7.1 Overall conclusion on the level of compliance achieved
Overall the level of compliance by operators was high in the area of plant health. Horticulture & Plant Health Division found some
minor non-compliance with the formatting of Plant Passports. Most errors were caused by operator error using incorrect or no Protected Zone or batch codes.
7.2 Official controls
Number of operators Number of official controls performed
Operators authorised to issue plant passports 466
10 Forest Service
745
10 Forest Service
Operators authorised to apply the mark (wood packaging material, wood or
other objects)
Other (Annex to IA under Article 22(3) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625)
7.3 Comment box*
*There are an additional 5 Sawmills registered who are authorised to heat-treat raw wood to ISPM15 standard but not to apply the mark.
7.4 Non-compliances Actions/measures
Detected during
official controls performed
Total number of controlled operators*
Number of controlled operators where non-compliances were detected*
Administrative Judicial
Operators authorised to issue
plant passports 0 10 0 0 0
Operators authorised to apply
the mark (wood packaging
material, wood or other
objects)
1 40* 1 1 0
Other (Annex to IA under
Article 22(3) of Regulation
(EU) 2017/625)
Fraudulent and deceptive practices
7.5 Comment box*
Detailed reports of the monitoring results, as required under Council Directive 2000/29/EC, are submitted to DG SANTE via the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF).
Official surveys were carried out for the relevant harmful organisms in the Annexes of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. All
positive findings were notified and appropriate measures were taken for eradication or containment as necessary. In general Horticulture & Plant Health Division is responsible for implementing plant health controls, however in the case of
potatoes, Crop Evaluation and Certification Division are involved in sampling and inspecting seed crops for quarantine organisms.
8. Requirements for the placing on the market and use of plant protection products and the
sustainable use of pesticides, with the exception of pesticides application equipment
8.1 Overall conclusion on the level of compliance achieved
Controls were carried out at all levels of the PPP supply chain and at end user level. The bulk of the infringements relating
to the marketing of PPPs were considered minor in nature and included directions for revoked products to be destroyed as hazardous waste or returned to suppliers and non-compliance with training and registration requirements. 1446 end user inspections were conducted. Approximately 8% of all end users were found to be in breach of current pesticide legislation.
Individuals in receipt of Basic Payment Scheme payments were subject to penalties ranging from 1- 5% of their Basic Payment.
8.2 Official controls
On marketing of plant protection products (PPPs) Number of operators
Number of official controls performed
Entry points 9 4
Manufacturers/formulators 2 1
Packers/re-packers/re-labellers 5 4
Distributors/wholesalers/retailers - professional and/or amateur use PPPs 822 96
Storage depots/transport operators/logistics companies 11 8
Authorisation/parallel trade permit holder 114 1
Others
On use of PPPs and sustainable use of pesticides Number of operators
Number of official controls performed
Agricultural users 23047 1468
Applicants under the EU Basic Payment Scheme or Rural Development
schemes, subject to Cross Compliance (CC) controls*
Agriculture users outside the scope of CC controls*
Other professional users 4341 8
Industrial use e.g. railways, roads*
Seed treatment operators*
Spray contractors/service providers*
Forestry*
Non-agricultural areas (golf courses / other public areas)*
Others
8.3 Comment box*
Agriculture includes forestry
8.4 Non-compliances Actions/measures
On marketing of PPPs
Detected during official controls performed
Total number of controlled operators*
Number of controlled operators where non-
compliances were detected*
Administrative Judicial
Entry points 1 1 0
Manufacturers/formulators 1 1
Packers/re-packers/re-labellers 21 21
Distributors/wholesalers/retailers -
professional and/or amateur use PPPs
253 253
Storage depots/transport operators/logistics companies
5 5
Authorisation/parallel trade permit holder
4 4
Others
On use of PPPs and sustainable use of pesticides
Detected during official controls
performed
Total number of controlled
operators*
Number of controlled operators where non-
compliances were detected*
Administrative Judicial
Agricultural users 120 113 7
Applicants under the EU Basic
Payment Scheme or Rural Development schemes, subject to
Cross Compliance (CC) controls*
Agriculture users outside the scope
of CC controls*
Other professional users 6 6
Industrial use e.g. railways, roads*
Seed treatment operators*
Spray contractors/service providers*
Forestry*
Non-agricultural areas (golf courses
/ other public areas)*
Others
Fraudulent and deceptive practices
9. Organic production and labelling of organic products
9.1 Overall conclusion on the level of compliance achieved
General operator compliance is good with 0.01% of operators receiving an irregularity in 2018. The acquisition of non
organic stock without derogation, feeding non organic feed, lack of animal bedding and the use of slatted units are some of the reoccurring non compliances identified by the OCBs.
Organics Excel file
for MANCP-XIIIc reporting year 2018.xlsx
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