Limerick restaurant among food businesses hit with closure orders in November
To Businesses Closure November In Served Orders Six
Rodent droppings, inadequate cleaning, and an accumulation of grease and old food debris are among the reasons behind the six closure orders served by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) to businesses in November.
Lotus Asian Food Takeaway in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, was issued a closure order on November 11 after "rodent droppings" were found in multiple locations in the premises, including on a staff apron on a shelf in the storage room.
The inspector also found "numerous pest proofing issues".
Another closure order was served to Indian Spices on Parnell Street in Dublin city centre on November 6 due to "an active cockroach infestation". The business has not yet reopened.
Shapla Indian Spice in Co Carlow was hit with a closure order on November 27 following the discovery of "grease leaking from a pipe under the food preparation sink" and the grease trap was in "filthy condition".
The inspector also noted that the "level of cleaning carried out in the premises was insufficient and must be addressed as a matter of urgency". The closure order was lifted on November 29.
Three other closure orders were issued under the same EU regulations.
FLC in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, was ordered to "close activities" related to selling milkshakes and desserts on November 16. This was due to a lack of "adequate working space for hygiene performance" with raw meat being prepared close to the milkshake area — leading to a risk of cross-contamination.
Grill Kebab in Broadford, Co Limerick, was closed from November 14 until November 20. There was a lack of handwashing facilities and a situation where defrosting raw breaded chicken product was on the base of a fridge sitting in water. The fridge door seal was torn and there was mould in the seal.
The Bankers Bar on Trinity Street in Co Dublin has its kitchen closed from November 4 until November 7. FSAI inspectors found "evidence of pest activity" including "gnawing" and droppings in the kitchen area.
Separately, there was one enforcement order issued in November.
Big Discount.ie on Clanbrassil Street in Co Louth had 67 sealed plastic bags containing unidentifiable frozen raw meat and fish pulled from sale after they were found stored in two chest freezers
The FSAI's chief executive Dr Pamela Byrne said that businesses are entering their busiest time of year, and should have a "significant" focus on maintaining food safety procedures.
"Cutting corners or letting standards lapse could result in a health risk to consumers," she said.
Dr Byrne added that there must be "zero tolerance" for practices that put consumers’ health at risk, and the full powers of food law will be used if a food business is found to be in breach".