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How food safety works in Ireland
Short, sourced explainers on who checks the food you buy, what enforcement orders mean, and what the public can and cannot see.
Who inspects your food in Ireland?
The FSAI is in charge of enforcing food law, but most inspections are done by the HSE, the Department of Agriculture or the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. Here is who covers what.
Last reviewed 18 October 2026
Read the explainer →What do closure, prohibition and improvement orders mean?
What each enforcement order does, who can serve it, how it is lifted, and how long the FSAI keeps it on its website.
Last reviewed 18 October 2026
Read the explainer →Can you see a restaurant's hygiene score in Ireland?
Diners in Northern Ireland, Wales and England can look up a hygiene rating. Here is what is, and is not, published in Ireland, and how to report a concern.
Last reviewed 18 October 2026
Read the explainer →These articles are general information, not legal advice. Each one lists the official sources it relies on. beforeyoueat.ie is independent and not affiliated with the FSAI. See our editorial standards.