Meeting at 11.00
Attendees:
- Rob Phillips, FSAI (Chair)
- Sinéad Murphy, FSAI
- Alison Connor, FSAI
- Martina Donoghue, Aramark
- Gaynor Noonan, McDonald’s UK & Ireland
- Louise Hickmott, McDonald’s UK & Ireland
- Louise Collins, Rocket Restaurants
- Pat Crotty, VFI
- Rachel Elliott, Sodexho
- Adrian Cummins, RAI
Apologies:
- Mary Flynn, CMA
- Lana McGinn, Gather & Gather
- Ronan Walsh, Irish Hotels Federation
1. Introductions
RP welcomed everyone to the meeting and outlined some staff changes in FSAI. Rob provided an update on the following topics:
MOFI Review
As part of the MOFI review FSAI is developing guidance for FBOs who wish to diversify their business. There is consultation on the draft document now between FSAI and the HSE. The document will be available online when is published and FSAI plan to run a webinar in Qtr. 1 2023.
Agreed: FSAI will circulate the document to the Group for review before the online version is published.
Micro Survey
The results of the Survey of the microbiological quality of chilled and frozen coated poultrymeat preparations and poultrymeat products intended to be eaten cooked concluded on the 18th November 2022 and of the 400 samples, 5 were positive and of these 4 recalls were issued. The FSAI is awaiting official data from the labs which is expects in early 2023.
2. Agree Minutes of 12th October 2021
The minutes of the meeting 12th October 2021 were agreed.
3. Ukraine conflict
The Ukraine crisis and was discussed and Rob noted that the labelling flexibilities have been in place for over 6 months, industry representations haven’t increased and there may be a pinch point in the supply of oils in early 2023. There were also exercises undertaken on crisis response planning and this highlighted the need for changes e.g. the lab capabilities need to be increased. FSAI has met with the CO² suppliers regarding the availability and cost of carbon dioxide. The suppliers reported this was due to reduced capacity because of the cost of production. FSAI also input into preparedness planning should FBOs have a shortage of energy.
Noted: RP asked the Group if there is any support the FSAI can provide to please contact us.
4. FSCC
Sinéad Murphy provided an update from the recent Food Safety Consultative Council (FSCC) Open Meeting. This year’s topic was online food delivery and there were interesting presentations from Deliveroo, Manna and Drop Chef. There was a wide-ranging discussion on food delivery. Some members reported that they are no longer using aggregated delivery companies i.e. Just Eat/Deliveroo because of the lack of control over it. They are now using ‘on the way’ delivery which records the collection and delivery information. The LVA reported that a lot of small independent pubs that were doing takeaway deliveries during covid have now ceased this part of the business.
Noted: FSAI thanked the Group for this update.
Noted: FSAI circulated the FSCC presentation.
5. Reusable Cups
There is no update on the latte tax. The Group discussed this topic and there was discussion on where responsibility lies if the service sector cannot be sure of the safety/suitability of packaging. Rob reported that the FSAI and Safefood are collaborating on a consumer information campaign which will be launched in 2023. The Group welcomed this campaign, and it was noted that it will be very helpful to FBOs.
Noted: RP circulated some guidance to the Group.
6. Food Safety Culture
As part of FSAI’s Business Plan for 2023 we will develop compliance material/market research on how to progress this topic. Safefood are also looking at this topic and has engaged Ulster University to conduct a survey. The output from this survey is due in Qtr 3 2023.
Action: FSAI will provide an update on Food Safety Culture at the next meeting.
7. UK Divergence
UK Divergence was discussed and it was noted that the aim is to increase the pace of legislation transposed into UK law as there are some concerns about consumer safety.
Ban on Titanium Dioxide
RP circulated a link on Titanium Dioxide ban to the Group.
AOB
- Poultrymeat
Rob reminded the Group that the sale of defrosted poultrymeat is not permitted and circulated some guidance.
- Food Fraud
As part of Regulation 625 there is a requirement for Member States to develop risk-based controls. The EU Commission expect to have draft guidance ready in the new year. The Honey Co-ordinated Control Plan is due to be published in January 2023. The testing of tuna for added nitrates has been improved and the Group may see some news on this topic.
The next meeting of the Forum will take place in March 2023. FSAI welcomed any agenda items the Group want to raise in 2023.
Action: FSAI to send dates for the meetings.
Action: FSAI to send links to all that was circulated at the meeting.
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