Safefood

Food safety promotion body in Ireland

Safefood Logo

Safefood, also known as the Food Safety Promotion Board, is an all-island implementation body responsible for the promotion of food safety in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999, Safefood plays a crucial role in ensuring that food consumed on the island is safe and that consumers are well-informed about food safety issues.

History

Safefood was established as part of the Good Friday Agreement, which aimed to foster cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The organization began its operations in 1999, with a mandate to promote food safety and nutrition across the island.

Functions

Safefood's primary functions include:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Safefood conducts various campaigns to educate the public about food safety practices, such as proper food handling, storage, and preparation techniques.
• Research and Surveillance: The organization funds and conducts research to monitor food safety trends and issues, providing valuable data to policymakers and the public.
• Education and Training: Safefood develops educational resources and training programs for food industry professionals and consumers to enhance food safety knowledge and practices.
• Collaboration: Safefood works closely with other food safety authorities, such as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland, to ensure a coordinated approach to food safety.

Campaigns

Safefood is known for its impactful public health campaigns, which address various aspects of food safety and nutrition. Some notable campaigns include:

• "Stop the Spread": A campaign focused on preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses by promoting proper hygiene practices in the kitchen.
• "Check the Label": Encouraging consumers to read food labels to make informed choices about their diet and nutrition.
• "Reduce Salt, Sugar, and Fat": Aimed at promoting healthier eating habits by reducing the intake of salt, sugar, and fat in everyday diets.

Research Initiatives

Safefood invests in research to better understand food safety challenges and to develop effective strategies to address them. Research topics include:

• Foodborne Pathogens: Studies on the prevalence and control of pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli.
• Consumer Behavior: Research on how consumer habits impact food safety and nutrition.
• Emerging Risks: Identifying and assessing new risks in the food supply chain.

Governance

Safefood is governed by a board of directors appointed by the North/South Ministerial Council. The board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization and ensuring that it fulfills its mandate effectively.

Related pages

• Food safety
• Foodborne illness
• Nutrition
• Food Safety Authority of Ireland
• Food Standards Agency