Nine Irish food businesses were served with closure orders last month – the highest number so far this year.

All of the orders impacted businesses in Leinster – with five based in Dublin.

The closure orders, issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, were served on:

• Punjab Pantry on Richmond Street South in Dublin.
• Moo’s Burrito in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin
• The basement dry goods store at Hartleys Restaurant in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin
• The bakery and fruit and veg section of Tesco in Ballyfermot, Dublin
• Aroma Chinese in Stillorgan, Dublin
• Zam Zam Kebab House on Mallin Street, Wexford
• Costa Coffee in the Longford retail Park
• Weeping Thaiger in Naas, Kildare
• Tasty Spice in Abbeyleix, Laois

All the closure orders were issued by environmental health officers under the FSAI Act, 1998.

FSAI chief executive Dr Pamela Byrne said the high number of closure orders is “very disappointing” and called on business owners to take their legal responsibility to protect the health of customers seriously.

“The majority of food businesses in Ireland must be commended for adhering to the highest of food safety standards,” she said.

“There is absolutely no excuse for negligent practices.

“Food businesses must recognise that they are legally bound to make sure that the food they serve is safe to eat.

“This requires ongoing compliance with food safety legislation and hygiene standards. There is absolutely no excuse for careless practices.”

All nine of the eateries were forced to close their doors until the food safety issues were dealt with – and all the orders have now been lifted.