Some of the legislation which existed in Ireland before the EU Regulations were introduced, remains in place. Some of the requirements contained in four such laws, which are of particular interest are:
Food Hygiene Regulations 1950-89.
Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998.
Health Act 1947.
Sale of Food and Drugs Acts 1875-1936.
However, following regulations apply in general operations of a food business:
Regulation (EC) No. 178 of 2002 and Regulation (EC) 882 of 2004 deal with the general principles of food law and official controls.
Regulation (EC) No. 852 and Regulation (EC) No. 853 of 2004 cover the specific hygiene rules which apply to food industry.
The main food safety laws are:
- EC Regulation No 852 of 2004 Hygiene of Foodstuffs Regulations
- EC Regulation No 853 of 2004 Foodstuffs of Animal Origin
- Hygiene of Foodstuffs Regulations 2006
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998
- National Standards for Food Hygiene (IS340/ IS 341/ IS 342/ IS 343/ IS 344)
The foundation EU Legislation is;
EC Directive 852/2004 on the control of foodstuffs