Food-borne hazards are a "major threat" to the country's health, economy, social stability and security, according to a leading food safety expert.
Although Ireland is respected internationally for its food industry, the present system of analytical services "falls short of what is necessary to protect the public health and food exports", according to Dr Mary O'Mahony, chairwoman of the review group of health board food-control laboratories.
The report said the globalisation of the food trade meant that we may be exposed to pathogens not commonly found in Ireland, contributing to more food-borne illness.
It said recent food scares around the world have damaged consumer confidence in the safety of food. "New food-borne pathogens are emerging, old food-borne pathogens are showing up in new foods, and multi drug-resistant strains of micro-organisms are increasing."
It has been estimated that 8,800 new episodes of acute gastroenteritis occurred per day, according to the report. This resulted in over 15 million working days lost each year.
Dr O'Mahony was speaking at the presentation of the group's report yesterday to the Minister of State for Health and Children, Mr Brian Lenihan.
The key recommendation of the report is the move from a fragmented activity to the establishment of a single laboratory service, which will be known as the Food Safety Laboratory Service.
While the State's 10 laboratories will continue to be managed locally, the report recommends that overall operational control and direction of the single service reside within the new Health Service Executive under the direction of a senior scientific laboratory co-ordinator.
"A modern and accessible scientific laboratory service is the cornerstone of a system to protect the public health.
"Without it identifying food-production weaknesses, new infectious disease threats, spotting serious food poisoning outbreaks and monitoring control measures would be impossible," said Dr O'Mahony.
She added that the new service would improve on the current fragmented system which made it difficult for the laboratories to contribute fully.
The report found that responses to food alerts and emergencies were currently fragmented, and highlighted the need to expand operational times to provide out-of-hours facilities.
"The new service will improve on the current fragmented system that makes it difficult for the laboratories to contribute fully in this area.
"Expanded operational times and national arrangements for emergency cover are now required so that Ireland can be best prepared for emergencies."
Mr Lenihan said the 21st century brought new problems that required new solutions and a modern service. "Our current food-safety laboratory arrangements are a solid base on which to build for the future and make best use of resources."