Competent Authorities are regulatory bodies responsible for enforcing food safety legislation in Ireland. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is the primary competent authority for food businesses in Ireland, providing guidance and resources to help businesses comply with food safety regulations. In addition, other competent authorities such as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Health Service Executive also have specific responsibilities for enforcing food safety regulations in their respective areas. These competent authorities work together to ensure that food businesses in Ireland operate in a safe and hygienic manner, protecting consumers and maintaining compliance with legal requirements. It is important for food businesses to be aware of the relevant competent authority for their sector, and to seek guidance and support as needed to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Listed below are the Competent Authorities responsible for registering and approving food businesses in Ireland.
Health Service Executive (HSE)
The HSE inspects businesses like restaurants, delis, retailers, mobile food businesses and food stalls, and some manufacturing premises, including microbreweries.
You should contact the HSE at the earliest possible stage if you are thinking of starting a food business – Read more
It is a legal requirement to notify your food business. Find contact details for your local HSE office
You can notify your food business online on the HSE website. If you have any questions or difficulties submitting online notifications you can contact the Environmental Health Service of the HSE at foodbusinessnotification@hse.ie
Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA)
The SFPA inspects establishments handling and/or processing fish and fishery products and products of aquaculture.
Contact them at www.sfpa.ie or Tel: 021 4515100
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
DAFM inspects establishments involved in animal slaughter and handling and/or processing meat, dairy products and eggs
Visit the DAFM website or call: 0761064400
Local Authority Veterinary Inspector
The local authority veterinary inspector regulates establishments involved in animal slaughter and handling and/or processing meat.
You should contact your local authority veterinary service at the earliest possible stage if you are thinking of starting a food business.
It is a legal requirement to notify your food business.