A new guide to food law has been issued to help artisan and small food producers who are starting their own businesses.
The Food Safety Authority, which published the guide, says there has been an increase in interest in starting a new food business from members of the public.
Read the FSA's guide
Last year, there was a 50% increase on 2008 in the number of inquiries asking for information on how to set up a new food business.
To operate legally, the food business operations must ensure that their food business is registered, or approved; that they have a food safety management system in place, and that their business has an effective traceability system.
Businesses must also ensure that staff handling food have received food safety training and that they comply with food law.
Food Safety Authority Chief Executive Prof Alan Reilly said the big increase requests for information on starting businesses is possibly a reflection of the downturn in the economy and people looking for new business opportunities.
Prof Reilly said it is showing that people wishing to take their first entrepreneurial step to establish a food business, want to do so in the correct manner, seeking the best advice available to them.
