A maggot found in soup, a spider in a takeaway cocktail, and a disposable glove in a pie were among over 3,000 complaints made to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland in 2021.
3,414 consumer complaints were received by the FSAI Advice Line in 2021. Overall, the 2021 complaints saw a 23% increase compared with 2020.
Some commonly reported objects in food included:
- strands of hair; insects;
- stones;
- pieces of plastic;
- metal
- glass
Examples include glass found in porridge and sweet potato fries; hair found in numerous takeaway foods; metal found in baked beans; a maggot found in soup; and a metal screw in spareribs.
Complaints regarding unfit food cited a can of orange juice filled with beans; a piece of wood found in a container of soup; an exploding bottle of fruit juice; a spider in a takeaway cocktail; and a disposable glove in a pie.
Consumer complaints ranged from reports of food unfit to eat, to non-display of allergen information
- 1,235 complaints on unfit food
- 815 complaints on hygiene standards
- 622 complaints on suspect food poisoning
- 162 complaints on unregistered food businesses
- 139 complaints on incorrect information on food labelling
- 97 complaints on non-display of allergen information
- 344 ‘other’ (i.e., unregistered food businesses, COVID-19 restrictions, advertising complaints)
All complaints received by the FSAI in 2021 were followed up and investigated by food inspectors throughout the country, and the FSAI continues to develop new information on a range of food safety concerns.
Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI commented: “We welcome consumers and food businesses contacting us via our Advice Line. Consumers have a right to safe food. Having people spotting and reporting inappropriate and unsafe food and practices greatly aids our work with the food inspectors and provides us with information that we can act upon.
"We urge food businesses to ensure they are meeting their food safety legal requirements and they should also take full advantage of the information and support provided."
