From dead mice in strawberries, to snails in coleslaw: Irish people's food complaints

There were over 7,700 complaints made last year to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

7,732 people contacted the FSAI advice line in 2023 to log complaints with the state agency, an increase of 8.3% from 2022.

59% of the total complaints related to poor hygiene standards, in which premises serving food had poor hygiene practices, as well as food items which were purchased as groceries not being up to scratch - coming under the 'unfit food' category.

Complaints which were made under the 'unfit food' category included that of a dead mice found in strawberry containers, to snails being found in coleslaw tubs, a shard of glass being discovered in bread, as well as a stone found in black pudding.

Others included: an insect found in instant noodles, piece of bone found in a chocolate bar, mould in prepacked rice bag and a metal pin in a prepacked salad. Other complaints regarding 'unfit food' cited meats not cooked completely, food that smelled/tasted off, food sold past their use-by dates and mould on foods.

Complaints under 'poor hygiene standards' saw consumers observe: staff handling food and cash with the same gloves, food unprotected from contamination (e.g. flies around food), bins outside overflowing, dirty fridges and rodents spotted.

Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive of the FSAI, stressed the importance of making complaints so that any food safety issues can be addressed: “While routine inspections are carried out regularly, reports from the public help to identify specific issues, ensuring swift identification of potential threats to public health.

“The increase in complaints reflects a growing awareness among the public of their right to safe food  and the importance of high standards of food safety and hygiene. We encourage anyone who observes poor hygiene or food safety practices to promptly report it to FSAI,” said Dr Byrne.

The third most frequently reported category related to reports of suspected food poisoning, with chicken, beef, fish and shellfish as the most common food mentioned in the complaint.