Environmental Health Services

EHS & EHOs

The HSE Environmental Health Service regulates a wide range of areas of public health concern.  The purpose is largely preventative by controlling and removing environmental risks and factors that may cause ill health or reduce quality of life.

The Environmental Health Officers are a central part of the service. Environmental Health Officers administer and enforce  a wide large of legislation, including that in relation to

• infectious diseases,
•  tobacco control,
• food safety,
• drinking water standards,
• cosmetic products,

Pre-School

EHOs work with preschool service officers to enforce the Childcare (Preschool Services) Regulations. They advise on and enforce regulations and requirements in relation to physical condition, equipment, welfare staffing, food, activities and administration.

EHOs act in relation to preschool services, daycare child minding drop-in centres and overnight preschool services.

Cosmetics

EHOs enforce the EU Cosmetic Products Regulations. Cosmetics products are wider than makeup and cover preparations and substances intended to be put in contact with the human body or with teeth.  This includes sun protection, deodorants, toothpaste and similar products.

EHOs undertake inspections and take samples of products.

Pests

EHOs have powers in relation to pest control, including rats, mice and insects.  They have the power to require the disinfestation of premises.

Food

EHOs examine drinking water in food premises.  They are also involved in the management of drinking water in public supplies and group water schemes.  They may undertake tests and offer advice on the result of the analysis.

EHOs undertake food control services under a contract between the HSE and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.  They inspect and examine food premises at all levels, from importers, wholesalers, and retailers to consumers.  They examine food services in public houses, restaurants, childcare facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and hotels.  They may advise in relation to compliance.

Food Enforcement

EHOs have power to enter premises and undertake inspection.  EHOs have a range of sanctions, from closure of premises to warnings.  Generally, EHOs will advise on remediation steps.  An improvement notice may be required in more serious cases.  If this is not complied with, the EHO can apply for an improvement order in the District Court.

EHOs may apply for a closure order in the event of serious noncompliance with food legislation or if an improvement order has not been complied with.  They may issue an enforcement notice.  They may issue prohibition orders and may prosecute for breach.

EHOs may take samples and subject them to analysis.  They may enforce rules regarding requirements for food composition, including those relating to additives and labelling.

Under the food alert notification system, a notice may be issued from the FSAI requiring the recall of food.   If a food has been identified as hazardous, the FSAI may issue a food alert to enforcement agencies, food distributors and retailers.

Tobacco

The EHOs operate tobacco control in conjunction with the National Tobacco Control Office.  They monitor point-of-sale restrictions and packaging requirements.  They enforce the regulations applicable to retail premises, including

• restrictions on advertising and displaying tobacco products in retail premises which sell tobacco assurance that tobacco products are stored out of view
• display of a sign to the effect that tobacco products may only be sold to persons over 18.
• restriction on vending machine

Complaints may be made to the EHO or the National Tobacco Control Office.