Sir, – Food safety precautions may be “off the menu due to the recession” (Home News, January 2nd) but an issue that appears to have been totally overlooked by the Food Safety Authority since well before the downturn is the handling of money by butchers and fishmongers. In times past, in recognition of the hazard involved, it was usual to employ a cashier in these shops so that money transactions were dealt with separately. Nowadays, more often than not, the butcher or fishmonger handles meat or fish and money without regard for hygiene. – Yours, etc,