• Ensure that all dairy farms that supply milk for public consumption are registered with the Department
• Test cattle routinely for diseases, e.g. TB • Test milk routinely for bacterial contamination and residues of antibiotics • Ensure dairy farms observe strict codes of hygiene when transporting, processing and storing milk
• Enforce European Union regulations, e.g. all food given to hens is heat treated to reduce bacterial contamination
• Ensure farmers complete routine salmonella testing of the hens • Monitor fruit, vegetable and cereal crops for pesticide and insecticide residue
Outline the role of the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine in food safety. (10) HL Department of Health
The Department of Health is responsible for: • creating food safety policies • dealing with issues such as genetically modified foods, food hygiene and contaminants in foodstuffs to ensure a high standard of food hygiene and safety is maintained nationwide
• educating consumers on food safety guidelines to ensure that they can maintain high hygiene standards at home.
Health Service Executive (HSE)
The HSE implements a range of legislation in relation to food safety and hygiene. This is carried out by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) from various health boards employed by the HSE who:
• carry out routine inspections of establishments where food is handled to ensure high hygiene standards
• deal with complaints about food businesses or products or a suspected case of food poisoning
• respond to rapid food alerts, e.g. mycotoxins in food
• issue improvement notices and closure orders to businesses that are not adhering to food safety legislation
• provide education and advise businesses on how to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene laws.
? Outline the role of the Environmental Health Officer in relation to food safety. (10) HL
