The Food Business Operator, Fish Seafood Deli Limited was convicted by Judge John King of several breaches of food safety law at Skibbereen District Court on the 9th of January 2024, following a prosecution taken by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). The Court, remarking there were serious matters in the case, imposed fines totalling €6,000 as well as an order for costs in favour of the SFPA. The prosecution arose following several inspections carried out by Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers at the premises of the Operator based in Carbery Enterprise Park, Skibbereen, Cork, between February and May 2023.
The Defendant Company pleaded guilty to eight charges for offences under food safety law for non-compliance with food traceability requirements, failure to keep premises clean and in good repair, and failing to ensure waste products were stored correctly to prevent cross contamination.
Guilty pleas were also entered to charges of breaches of requirements to ensure appropriate staff supervision and training, and for failure to comply with the terms of a Compliance Notice served on the operator by the SFPA following an inspection in February 2023, directing the food business to take steps to comply with specific food safety law requirements. Evidence was put before the Court of the actions taken, and resources expended, by the food business to address the non-compliances identified. It was acknowledged that the food business had reached substantial compliance with the food safety law requirements identified.
Commenting on the case, an SFPA spokesperson stated:
"The SFPA notes the convictions for these serious breaches of food safety law. Food Safety Law protects consumer health and confidence in the seafood sector. Compliance with requirements for food hygiene, food premises and food traceability are key to ensuring that food placed on the market is safe. The convictions and fines imposed by the Court emphasises the seriousness of non- compliance with food safety law. The SFPA acknowledges the significant steps taken by the food business to address the issues detected in this case. The SFPA commends the SFPA officers for their diligence and extensive work on this case."
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