Inspectors have not had to resort to prosecutions against any food businesses since 2015.

Details of what actions have been taken by environmental food inspectors were sought in a written House of Keys question from Daphne Caine (Garff).

Food Minister Geoffrey Boot said: ’Prohibition of operations and closures of food businesses are rare.

’Since 2015 there have been no formal prohibitions issued and the department has not had to resort to prosecution.’

Four enforcement notices had been issued in that period, he said, which were complied with so no further was action required.

’In addition, there have been six voluntary closures of registered food businesses within the period, all of which reopened once the officers involved were satisfied food safety was no longer compromised,’ said Mr Boot.

There are more than 1,450 food businesses registered with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, including 600 new businesses registering since 2015.

The minister added: ’Since 2015 the Department has investigated over 800 food-related complaints and requests for assistance, with proportionate intervention taken in each case.’