DEAD and live rodents, cockroach infestations, bird dropping and a dead bird carcass were some of the reasons behind 16 closure orders served on food businesses.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) confirmed that 16 enforcement orders were issued by Environmental Health Officers in the HSE for breaches of food safety legislation last month.
The inspection reports noted a live rodent running across the floor of a food storage room, a dead rodent caught in a snap trap in a kitchen and an active cockroach infestation beneath a cold service display unit storing uncovered food.
The reports detailed a lack of adequate, regular and thorough cleaning in some premises.
Nine Closure Orders were served in Dublin and Cork under the FSAI Act, 1998.
Café Sol, located in Dunnes Stores at the Cornelscourt Shopping Centre, Dublin was shut down last month rodent droppings and a “gnawed chocolate bar” were found on the premises.
The inspectors report said there was a “grave and immediate danger” to food safety.
The closure order was dated September 4 and it was lifted on September 6.
The service sector in Grace’s Garden, Shankill, Co. Dublin was issued a closure notice dated September 25.
The report revealed there was an “extensive and widespread rodent infestation” and “significant pest proofing issues”.
And the closure notice was lifted September 28.
An “active cockroach infestation” was discovered in Koffee and Kale Restaurant/Café at 21B Hill Street, Dublin 1.
The report noted cockroach activity was found in an area where open food, including sandwiches, were stored.
The city centre café was issued the order on September 24.
Elsewhere, the deli area in Spar on 111 Reubens Square, Dolphins Barn in Dublin 8 was given a closure notice September 20.
‘HIGH RISK’
The notice, which was lifted September 23, stated there was evidence of rodents which posed a “high risk” to food safety.
Osteria 99 Italian Cuisine in Monkstown, Co. Dublin was issued a closure notice September 17 and it was lifted
Rodent droppings were found and there was a “complete lack of cleaning” in the premises.
A small seat manufacturing plant, trading under Kimex Ireland Limited in Inchicore, Dublin 8 was issued a closure order from September 19 to 23.
A large number of mouse droppings were observed near some food storage areas and a dead bird was found on the ground floor of the warehouse area.
FLY INFESTATION
Inspectors found rodent activity in Polonez in Walkinstown, Dublin 12 and a closure order was given from September 16 to 23.
An “extensive and widespread rodent and fly infestation” was reported in That’s Amore Restaurant/Café in Monkstown, Co. Dublin
The owners were issued a closure order from September 4 to September 6.
Glens Takeaway and Diner in Glengarriff, Cork was found to pose a “grave and immediate danger to public health”.
The closure order, issued September 26, noted the fast food retailer failed to comply with pest control procedures.
There were uncovered barrels of food waste and waste cooking oil in the rear yard.
‘DIRTY CONDITION’
Four Closure Orders were served under the European Union – Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation – Regulations, 2020 were issued to The Lord Lucan Pub, Antonio’s, Red Robin Takeaway and Coolmine Shawarma & Grilled.
Antonio’s Take Away on the Ballybough Road, Dublin 3 was issued with the order September 26.
The premises were found in a “dirty condition” and black mould accumulations were reported.
Red Robin Takeaway in Killenaule, Tipperary was closed due to an “active rodent infestation”.
The closure order ran from September 24 to October 3.
PUB PROBLEM
The Lord Lucan Pub, Finnstown Shopping Centre, Lock Road, Lucan, Co Dublin was issued with a closure order September 16, which was lifted two days later.
While Coolmine Shawarma & Grilled Take Away in Coolmine Industrial Estate, Porters Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 was issued with one on September 11 that remains in place.
The reported said: “The layout, design and size of the food premises are inadequate to facilitate the hygienic storage, handling, preparation and cooking of raw meat.
“The limited size of the premises is inadequate to prevent the risk of cross-contamination from raw meat to cooked meat, ready to eat foods and finished product.”
Meanwhile, Sizzlers Takeaway on 41 William Street, Limerick was served an Improvement Order on September 5 with a compliance date of two weeks.
And Hearty Sunshine in Unit 2A Block, Moore Street Mall, 55-66, Parnell Street, Dublin 1 was served a Prohibition Order which was lift on September 10.
RIGHT TO SAFE FOOD
Chief Executive, FSAI, Dr Pamela Byrne said: “The number of Closure Orders served in September, which listed evidence of widespread rodent or cockroach activity along with a lack of pest proofing, is very concerning.
“Pests can transmit very harmful pathogens to food, food surfaces and equipment and this presents a grave and immediate danger to public health.
“Every food business must ensure that they have a robust pest control system in place and that the system is checked regularly.
“It is crucial that swift and effective action is taken at the first sign of an infestation.
“Consumers have an absolute right to expect safe food. There is no room for excuses and adhering to food safety standards is a legal obligation for every food business.”
