Seven individual audits by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) on food businesses found problems with food labelling.

Sixteen food businesses were audited in a targeted campaign by the FSAI between May 2016 and May 2017.

These included five importers/distributors, five meat-cutting plants, two meat processors, two fish processors, one slaughter plant and one caterer.

Incorrect batch codes

In five individual audits, the incorrect batch codes and plant codes were being recorded on traceability documents in processing areas. This led to incorrect information being applied on the finished product label.

In another audit, an incorrect date of minimum durability was being applied.

FSAI inspectors pointed out that if that food product had been subject to a recall, the wrong batch of product would have been recalled.

Multiple countries of origin

During another audit, a label was noted on poultry meat that had multiple countries of origin declared, which is in breach of legislation.

None of the companies is named in the FSAI report, which was published on Friday.

Findings

The FSAI auditors compared the companies’ records and practices to the requirements of more than a dozen pieces of legislation.

They recorded 27 breaches by the 16 businesses, including: