Inspections Environmental Health (HSE)

The Environmental Health Officer routinely and regularly inspects places where food is handled, including Early Learning and Care settings. Environmental Health Officers have the powers to enter any premises in order to carry out inspections. These inspections are carried out without any advance warning being given. Not only does the Environmental Health Officer check the hygiene in such places but also that the food in them is not contaminated in any way. By law those operating the food business must ensure that they and their staff have received food safety training and maintain minimum food safety standards, at all times. 

Enforcement Actions

In cases where there are breaches of the law Environmental Health Officers have a range of sanctions open to them from a verbal warning through to a Closure Order being served.
In general a written report from the Environmental Health Officer is received after every inspection outlining what needs to be improved upon and a timeframe within which they need to do it. In serious cases a Improvement Notice is served and if this is not complied with by the date given then the EHO can seek an Improvement Order in the District Court.
 

Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Service

Early Learning and Care Services have a key role in supporting children’s development of lifelong healthy eating patterns, skills, behaviours and attitudes.
The Early Years Services Regulations state that Early Learning and Care Services must ensure that all children in attendance receive a nutritious diet which takes account of individual needs and preferences. Under these Regulations, Early Learning and Care Services are required to develop a Policy on Healthy Eating. Young children’s learning is greatly enhanced when they participate in the preparation of their food and when healthy choices are encouraged.
 
 
The Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Service can be found here:



Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services - English
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Caighdeáin Chothaithe do Sheirbhísí Luathfhoghlama agus Luathchúraim - Gaeilge
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