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What We Do

We have national responsibility for co-ordinating the enforcement of food safety legislation in Ireland. The FSAI's tasks are to:

Advocate and engage

  • Identify and take opportunities to promote the importance of food safety and authenticity through dialogue and working collaboratively
  • Provide accessible and evidence-based advice, tools, and communications to raise compliance with food safety standards
  • Work with Government, State agencies, and our partners, to ensure that food safety and authenticity is prioritised
  • Foster the highest standards of food safety, integrity, and authenticity in the food industry

Reduce risk

  • Lead on the management and communication of risk in the food chain and respond effectively and transparently to national or international food incidents or crises
  • Continue to strengthen Ireland’s capability and capacity to proactively identify, assess, manage, and communicate risks
  • Augment risk-based decision making and policy development through independent expertise
  • Expand the knowledge and evidence base through science, research, and engagement

Enforce food law

  • Lead and support Ireland’s food safety inspectorate to implement a fair, consistent, and effective system of enforcement to the highest standards set out in national, European or international legislation
  • Strengthen the national regulatory framework for food safety and authenticity to deliver the best outcomes for consumers, as part of an effective European food control system
  • Engage in the development of food standards and regulatory approaches at national, European, and international levels

Drive organisational change

  • Enhance our inclusive, innovative, and collaborative working environment which encourages a culture of continuous improvement and supports our people to excel
  • Ensure that our systems, processes, and procedures are fit-for-purpose and underpinned by a culture of excellence and efficiency
  • Ensure our governance structures enable informed and accountable decision-making; prioritisation; adaptive leadership; risk management; and adherence to compliance standards
  • Embrace and leverage the opportunities provided by digitalisation, new technologies and the optimal use of data